1. The first recorded criminal trial in Texas was held on February 9, 1836, in the town of Nacogdoches. The trial involved a man accused of stealing horses and was presided over by Samuel Highsmith, the first judge of the newly established Texas Republic.

2. On February 9, 1861, the state of Texas voted to secede from the United States and join the Confederacy. This decision was a major factor in the start of the American Civil War.

3. In 1887, the first electric streetlights in Texas were installed in the city of Fort Worth on February 9th. This innovation marked a major milestone in the history of urban lighting and paved the way for the widespread use of electric lights in cities across the state.

4. On February 9, 1942, the US government established a military training base in Brownsville, Texas, to train pilots for the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. Women from all over the country came to Texas to participate in this groundbreaking program and help support the war effort.

5. Texas celebrates National Pizza Day on February 9th each year. Texans take their pizza seriously, and the state is home to numerous award-winning pizzerias and gourmet pizza restaurants. Whether you prefer classic toppings like pepperoni and sausage or more exotic options like BBQ brisket and jalapeños, there are plenty of delicious pizza options to choose from in Texas.