1. In 1836, the Republic of Texas officially adopted its constitution and declared its independence from Mexico on May 19. The document was modeled after the United States Constitution, with a few key differences, including provisions for protecting slavery and granting executives more power.

2. On May 19, 1902, the state of Texas officially established the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The commission is responsible for preserving and providing access to the state's historical documents, including photos, newspapers, and manuscripts.

3. In 1935, a massive tornado struck the town of Snyder, Texas, on May 19, killing at least 23 people and causing millions of dollars in damage. The tornado was one of the deadliest in Texas history, and it left the town devastated for years.

4. On May 19, 1969, Texas Governor Preston Smith signed into law the Texas Open Records Act, which requires government agencies to make their records available to the public upon request, except in cases where they are legally prohibited or sensitive information could be disclosed.

5. In 1995, Texas executed David Wayne Spence on May 19 for his role in the 1982 murders of three teenagers in Waco. Spence maintained his innocence until his execution, and his case remains controversial to this day, with many people believing he was wrongly convicted.