1. On December 16, 1835, the Consultation of 1835 convened in San Felipe de Austin, marking the first major meeting of Texas' revolutionary leaders. The group drafted a declaration of independence from Mexico and established a provisional government.

2. The Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, began on April 21, 1836, but the initial skirmish that sparked the conflict occurred on December 16, 1835. Mexican forces attempted to seize a cannon held by Texian rebels in Gonzales, Texas, leading to the famous battle cry, "Come and Take It."

3. On December 16, 1916, the Texas State Highway Department was created. This agency oversaw the construction and maintenance of the state's highways and bridges for over 100 years, until it was merged with other agencies in 2019 to form the Texas Department of Transportation.

4. In 2005, the Texas City Refinery explosion occurred on December 16, killing 15 workers and injuring over 170. The disaster was caused by a pipe that had corroded and failed, releasing a cloud of flammable vapor that ignited.

5. On December 16, 2012, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime, securing their spot in the playoffs. The game was notable for a controversial call where Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu intercepted a pass, but the play was overturned and ruled incomplete.