The 10 Most Significant Events in Texas History

Texas has a long and vibrant history which is detailed in our Texas history timeline. If we were forced to summarize Texas history into 10 events, we’d say these are the most significant events that make Texas what it is today.

  • 1519 – Texas coastline first explored and mapped by Alonso Alvarez de Pineda.
  • January, 1823 – Stephen F. Austin received grant from the Mexican government to colonize Texas along the Brazos River.  
  • October, 1832 – Convention of 1832 to discuss dissatisfaction with the policies by the Mexican government.
  • October, 1835 – The Texas revolution began with the Battle of Gonzales in .
  • March, 1836 – The Texas Declaration of Independence signed by members of the Convention of 1836
  • March, 1836 – Mexican army defeats Texas at the Battle of the Alamo.
  • April, 1836 – Texans defeat the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto to win independence.
  • November, 1839 – The Texas Congress meet in Austin, the frontier site selected for the capital of the Republic.
  • December, 1845 – Texas admitted to the Union as the 28th state.
  • February 1, 1861 – Texas seceded from the Union then readmitted on March 30, 1870.


What is Texas Historically Famous For?

The most famous event in Texas history is the Battle of the Alamo from February 26 to March 6, 1836. Many famous historical figures lost their lives during the 13-day siege, including James “Jim” Bowie, William B. Travis, and Davy Crockett. All 200 Texan defenders were killed in the fighting, inspiring the famous battle cry, “Remember the Alamo!” To this day, The Alamo is one of the top tourist destinations in Texas.

Which event occurred first in the history of Texas?

Based on our Texas History Timeline, the first event in Texas history occurred in 1519 with the arrival of Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, a Spanish adventurer. Alvarez de Pineda commanded a Spanish expedition from a base in Jamaica to become the first known European to explore and map the Texas coastline. Prior to the arrival of Alvarez de Pineda and other European explorers, numerous tribes of the Indians of Texas occupied the region between the Rio Grande to the south and the Red River to the north.

What happened in Texas in 1519?

Alvarez de Pineda Map of the Gulf Coast

In 1519, Alonso Alvarez de Pineda commanded a Spanish expedition to explore and map the Texas coastline from Florida to Mexico. The map from Alvarez de Pineda was the first map of the Gulf Coast and the first known document from Texas history. Other than the map, there is very little known about the voyage itself. Alvarez de Pineda and some of his men established a settlement in Río Pánuco, near the site of the future city of Tampico. When a ship returned to provide supplies to the new settlement they found Alonso Alvarez de Pineda and most of his men had been besieged and slain by the Huastec Indians.

What happened in Texas in 1718?

San Antonio was founded in May of 1718  by a Spanish expedition from Mexico as they established the Villa de Bejar settlement and Mission San Antonio de Valero. The mission was later renamed The Alamo and became an important location in Texas history during the Battle of the Alamo.

Why is the year 1821 important in Texas history?

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain. Soon after, Stephen F. Austin negotiated a contract with the new Mexican government to lead roughly 300 families, mainly Protestants from the southern United States to colonize along the Brazos River.

Why is the year 1836 important in Texas history?

Why is the year 1845 important in Texas History?

What are some interesting historical facts about Texas?

About Cassidy

Hello! I’m Cassidy Lackey and I'm fascinated by the pride Texans have for their great state. While not a native Texan, I’ve been here for about 30 years, first arriving in 1991 to attend Baylor University. I spend my days on an entrepreneur journey primarily focused on my small businesses, Texas Marimbas, Drone Pilots Media, and TexasProud.com.