1. Birth of Mahatma Gandhi: One of the most celebrated individuals in Indian history, Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. Although not strictly related to Texas history, Gandhi’s influence on world history cannot be overlooked, particularly with regards to his philosophies of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.

2. Texas Tech University founded: On October 2, 1923, Texas Governor Pat Neff signed a bill establishing Texas Technological College in Lubbock. The school would later become Texas Tech University, and is now one of the largest universities in the state.

3. Alamo commander William B. Travis born: William Barret Travis, the commander of the Texian forces during the Battle of the Alamo, was born on October 2, 1809, in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Although he is primarily remembered for his heroic stand at the Alamo, Travis was also an important political figure in early Texas history.

4. First automobile fatality in Texas: On October 2, 1901, the first automobile fatality in Texas occurred when a car hit a buggy in St. Louis. The driver of the car, H.S. Hines, was fined $50 for driving in a negligent and reckless manner.

5. Texas Rangers involved in shootout: On October 2, 1877, a group of Texas Rangers led by Captain Leander McNelly engaged in a shootout with a gang of Mexican bandits near Fort Davis, Texas. Despite being outnumbered, the Rangers were able to kill six of the bandits and capture the rest. The incident is now known as the “Black Bean Episode” because the Rangers forced the surviving bandits to draw beans from a pot, with those drawing black beans being executed on the spot.