1. In 1836, William Travis, a Texas lawyer and military leader, wrote his famous "victory or death" letter in his final days at the Alamo in San Antonio. This letter rallied Texans to continue the fight for independence from Mexico and has since become an enduring symbol of Texan courage and spirit.

2. In 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of all slaves in the Confederate states. This event is now celebrated as Juneteenth, and is a significant cultural holiday in Texas and other states, commemorating the long struggle for freedom and equality.

3. In 1904, Gene Autry, one of the most famous and successful Western singers and actors of the 20th century, was born in Tioga, Texas. He went on to become a beloved figure in popular culture, known for hits such as "Back in the Saddle Again" and his enduring portrayal of the cowboy hero.

4. In 1919, the Texas A&M Aggies baseball team defeated the University of Texas Longhorns in the first-ever Southwest Conference baseball game, held in Austin. This rivalry between the two schools is one of the longest-running and most intense in college sports.

5. In 1954, the world's first nuclear power plant began operation near Fort Worth, Texas. The plant, built by Texas Electric Service Company with the help of the federal government, provided cheap and abundant electricity to the state and helped propel the US into the nuclear age. However, it also raised concerns about nuclear safety and waste management that continue to this day.