1. Texas Revolution: On February 23, 1836, the Battle of Agua Dulce was fought between Texan rebels and Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution. Despite being outnumbered, the Texans were able to successfully defend their position and drive off the Mexican troops.

2. Texas Statehood: On February 23, 1845, the United States Congress approved a joint resolution authorizing the annexation of Texas as the 28th state. The resolution was signed into law by President John Tyler on March 1, 1845.

3. Texas Rangers: On February 23, 1901, the Texas Rangers apprehended notorious outlaw John Wesley Hardin in El Paso. Hardin had murdered at least 42 people before his capture and was one of the most feared and dangerous men of his time.

4. Space Exploration: On February 23, 1987, Texas native Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space when she launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Ride, who was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Encino, attended Stanford University and moved to Houston in 1978 to begin her astronaut training.

5. Professional Sports: On February 23, 2002, the Houston Rockets retired the jersey of Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest players in NBA history. Olajuwon helped lead the Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors both times. He retired in 2002 as the Rockets' all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks.