1. On August 1, 1835, Texans officially began their fight for independence from Mexico with the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in San Felipe de Austin.

2. August 1, 1840 marked the infamous Council House Fight in San Antonio, where a meeting between Texas officials and Comanche leaders erupted into violence, resulting in the deaths of nearly 40 people.

3. On August 1, 1887, the Texas State Capitol building in Austin was completed after six years of construction, becoming one of the most impressive examples of 19th-century public architecture.

4. In 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, ultimately leading to the participation of Texas troops in World War I.

5. August 1, 1966 marked the day of the deadly University of Texas tower shooting, where 16 people were killed and several more were injured by a lone gunman who opened fire from the university's clock tower.