General

Women’s Equality The fight for women's equality began long before they won the right to vote in 1919. In the 1880's, Jenny Bland Beauchamp led the formation of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Although the group's primary focus was battling the ills of alcohol abuse, they pushed the Texas Legislature for many social reforms, including women's suffrage. WCTU members were the foundation of the women's suffrage organizations that began to form in the next decade and which lead to the 19th … [Read more...] about Texas History

Texas Constitution The Constitution of 1876 was the sixth and final revision of the document and it established the foundation for the law which is still in effect in Texas today. “The 1875 constitution, in part a reaction to Reconstruction, shortened terms and lowered salaries of elected officials, decentralized control of public education, limited powers of both the legislature and governor, and provided biennial legislative sessions.” The new constitution set aside one million acres of … [Read more...] about Texas History

Juneteenth “On June 19, 1865, federal authority was established in Texas when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston.” General Granger announced the end of slavery for over 250,000 African Americans and the end of the Confederacy. We now celebrate "Juneteenth," as the declaration of emancipation, which was declared an official holiday in the state of Texas in 1980. It became a U.S. federal holiday on June 17, 2021. “Texas History Timeline.” Bullock Texas State History Museum, … [Read more...] about Texas History

Communication “Modern communication is something we all take for granted, but 19th-century Texans weren't so lucky. In 1854, the Texas and Red River Telegraph Company established service in Marshall, connecting to parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. By 1866, over 1500 miles of wire connected Texas.” “Texas History Timeline.” Bullock Texas State History Museum, www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/texas-history-timeline. … [Read more...] about Texas History

Railroads As the United States grew, so did the need for a more reliable transportation system. Travel was difficult in Texas, and it worsened by the expansive and unforgiving terrain in the west. Businesses also needed a way to ship their goods through the expanding area. This prompted the construction of the first railroad in Texas, which opened in 1853. “Texas History Timeline.” Bullock Texas State History Museum, www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/texas-history-timeline. … [Read more...] about Texas History