1. On October 8, 1906, the first permanent campus of Texas Tech University was opened in Lubbock. Originally called Texas Technological College, the school was established in 1923 and has since become one of the largest universities in the state.

2. On October 8, 1867, the first train arrived in Fort Worth, marking the city’s entry into the rail transportation age. The arrival of the train helped to spur economic growth and development throughout the region.

3. On October 8, 1931, the Texas Tower Massacre occurred in Austin, when a gunman climbed to the top of the University of Texas Tower and began shooting at people below, killing 14 and injuring dozens more. The incident remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

4. On October 8, 1878, the first public telephone exchange in Texas was established in Houston. The technology revolutionized communication throughout the state, connecting people and businesses like never before.

5. On October 8, 1949, Willie “The Lion” Smith, a celebrated jazz pianist, performed in Houston with his band. Smith was known for his intricate and energetic style of piano playing, and his influence can still be heard in jazz music today.