1. In 1836, James Bowie, one of the heroes of the Alamo, died on March 17 during the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio.

2. The Texas Navy was created on March 17, 1836, when the Texas Congress authorized the purchase of four schooners to protect the Texas coast during the Texas Revolution.

3. On March 17, 1842, Mexican General Rafael Vasquez led an invasion of San Antonio during the Texas-Mexico War. The Texans, under the command of General Mathew Caldwell, successfully defended the city and drove out the Mexican troops.

4. On March 17, 1909, the first official Texas state highway map was issued, marking the beginning of a new and improved highway system throughout the state.

5. In 1969, the Houston Astrodome, the first domed stadium in the world, hosted its first baseball game on March 17. The Astros played an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, and the Astrodome quickly became known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."