1. On December 22, 1839, the Republic of Texas officially recognized Baylor University as the oldest continuously operating university in the state.

2. In 1852, the Houston and Texas Central Railway began operating in Texas, connecting Houston to northern parts of the state and laying the foundation for what would become a major transportation industry.

3. On December 22, 1894, a devastating fire ripped through the town of Gainesville, Texas, killing an estimated 50 people and destroying most of the town's central business district.

4. In 1993, the Waco siege began on December 22 when federal agents attempted to serve a warrant at the Branch Davidian compound. The standoff lasted for 51 days and resulted in the deaths of over 80 people, including 25 children.

5. On December 22, 2000, President George W. Bush announced his intention to nominate Donald Evans, a Texas businessman and close friend, as Secretary of Commerce. Evans served in the position from 2001 to 2005, overseeing economic and trade policy during a crucial period in U.S. history.