1. On August 24, 1839, the first issue of the "Texas Sentinel" newspaper was published in Austin. It was one of the earliest newspapers in the Republic of Texas and is now considered an important source for early Texas history.

2. Two notable Texas politicians were both born on August 24: former Texas Governor John Connally in 1917 and former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in 1943.

3. On August 24, 1932, Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie and Clyde infamy) was arrested in a failed attempt to smuggle guns to Clyde Barrow while he was in prison. Parker spent three months in jail before being released on bail.

4. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission was established on August 24, 1909. Its mission is to preserve the history and culture of Texas by collecting and maintaining government records, manuscripts, and other materials.

5. On August 24, 1981, Hurricane Alicia made landfall near Galveston, causing extensive damage to the Texas Gulf Coast. The Category 3 storm caused 21 deaths and over $2 billion in damage (in 1981 dollars), making it the costliest hurricane in Texas history at the time.