1. Texas State University was founded on May 17, 1899. This public research university, located in San Marcos, is now the fifth-largest university in the state.

2. The State of Texas officially recognized Buggs Temple on May 17, 2012. This historic African-American church, located in Dallas, was founded in 1925 and served as a social and cultural center for the surrounding community.

3. On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. This decision had a significant impact on Texas, as the state was among those in the South that had maintained a segregated school system.

4. The Texas Rangers defeated the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on May 17, 1991, in a game played at Arlington Stadium. The Rangers' victory was notable because it marked the team's first win against the Tigers in American League play in more than two years.

5. On May 17, 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto took place, resulting in a decisive victory for the Texian army led by General Sam Houston over the Mexican army led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. This battle marked the end of the Texas Revolution and secured Texas' independence from Mexico. Today, the San Jacinto Monument and Museum in LaPorte, Texas, commemorate this historic event.