Save Texas History

Watch the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=6k3u6Y…

This week in Texas history, the world’s first enclosed, air-conditioned sports stadium opened in Houston. Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome officially opened on April 9, 1965, with a game between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees.

Following a tense city election in 1886, two political factions, the Botas (“Boots") and the Guaraches (“Sandals”), engaged in a violent confrontation that ended with as many as thirty people dead and forty-five wounded. Read more: tshaonline.org/texas-day-by-d…

Did you know that one of the largest gun battles in the history of the American West took place in Laredo?

Learn more: medium.com/save-texas-his…

Maps and records in the GLO Archives help tell the story of Matagorda Island's wartime past, which dates back to World War II. Before it became a federal-state wildlife refuge, the island was utilized by the U.S Military for mobilizations and training until 1976. #MapMonday

On April 3, 1817, a legendary Texas Ranger was born in Lexington, Virginia. William Alexander “Bigfoot” Wallace was a soldier who served with the rangers in the Mexican-American War and fought in many conflicts for the Republic of Texas. Read more: tshaonline.org/handbook/entri…

Just like their father, John Bate and Andrew Jackson Berry also proudly served in the Texas Army at Harrisburg and San Jacinto, respectively. Learn more about John Berry and his sons: medium.com/save-texas-his…

Today, we highlight the life, legacy, and family of John Berry, a fierce fighter who courageously answered the call to arms multiple times in defense of Texas. #SaveTexasHistory

However, when Mexican forces arrived, Captain Moseley Baker ignited a controversy by setting the entire town on fire, this week in Texas history. Watch the full video: youtube.com/watch?v=_uWCYM…

As Sam Houston and his army were retreating eastward after the fall of the Alamo, some of his men decided to stay and defend the “birthplace of Texas.”

FINAL REMINDER: Don't forget to send in your submissions for the 2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest! The final submission deadline is April 1, 2026. Rules and the contest entry form are available here: glo.texas.gov/archives-and-h…

Have you ever heard of a place in Bexar County known as “Woman Hollering Creek”? The GLO collaborated with the Handbook of Texas Women to explore unique locations such as this one, where women’s history connects land and legend. Learn more: medium.com/save-texas-his…

The GLO partnered with these avid collectors to digitize their entire collection, which is now featured in the GLO Archives. Learn more: medium.com/save-texas-his…

The John and Diana Cobb Map Collection is a remarkable private collection of maps, books, and pamphlets that detail the history of railroads in Texas and the U.S. #MapMonday

Records of Duval’s service in the Republic of Texas Army and his harrowing escape from Goliad can be found in the GLO Archives. Read about his story here: medium.com/save-texas-his…

John C. Duval was one of the lucky few soldiers who managed to escape from imprisonment at Goliad and avoid being executed by Santa Anna’s Mexican troops.

His Court of Claims file is held in the GLO Archives, which provides an intimate first-hand record of Logan’s optimistic yet tragic experience during the Texas Revolution. Read about his story here: medium.com/save-texas-his…

Kentucky volunteer John C. Logan courageously fought and died for Texas’ independence, as he was among one of the hundreds of soldiers massacred at Goliad. #SaveTexasHistory

Francita Alavez, the wife of a Mexican officer, begged Santa Anna to spare the lives of about twenty Texan prisoners who were set to be executed in Goliad. The Angel of Goliad appeared this week in Texas history. Watch the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=6ozBo8…