1. In 1835, the Battle of Gonzales took place. It is considered the official start of the Texas Revolution, as Texan rebels successfully resisted Mexican attempts to retake a cannon that had been given to them by the Mexican government years earlier.

2. In 1886, the State Fair of Texas opened for the first time in Dallas. It has since become a beloved tradition, drawing millions of visitors each year to enjoy carnival rides, fair food, and attractions like livestock shows, concerts, and the famous Texas Star Ferris wheel.

3. In 1910, Baylor University moved from Independence, Texas, to its current location in Waco. The move was precipitated by a devastating fire that destroyed much of the Independence campus, but it allowed the school to grow and expand into the research institution it is today.

4. In 1985, the Dallas Cowboys set a team record by scoring 50 points against the Atlanta Falcons. Led by quarterback Danny White and running back Tony Dorsett, the Cowboys stormed to a 50-14 victory and went on to clinch the NFC East title that season.

5. In 1996, musician and Texas native Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Selena, known as the "Queen of Tejano music," was tragically killed the previous year by a fan who had been obsessed with her. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire fans around the world.