Texas history is filled with moments that shaped the state’s identity, and many of them happened in October. From battles that launched revolutions to disasters that tested communities, the month has seen turning points in politics, education, business, and culture. Sports milestones, university openings, and major infrastructure projects have all left their mark during this time of year.
Whether the events took place in the 1800s or the 21st century, they all tell part of the ongoing story of Texas.
| Date | Category | Event |
|---|---|---|
| October 1–13, 1862 | Civil War/Politics | Great Hanging at Gainesville; at least 41 suspected Unionists are executed by a citizens’ court. |
| October 2, 1835 | State History/Military | Battle of Gonzales sparks the Texas Revolution and the “Come and Take It” rallying cry. |
| October 4, 1876 | Education | Classes begin at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (later Texas A&M University). |
| October 5, 1838 | Frontier History | Killough Massacre near Larissa in Cherokee County; 18 settlers killed or abducted. |
| October 8, 2014 | Health/Contemporary History | Thomas Eric Duncan dies in Dallas, the first Ebola death recorded in the United States. |
| October 9, 1835 | State History/Military | Battle of Goliad; Texian volunteers capture Presidio La Bahía and vital supplies. |
| October 12–December 1835 | State History/Military | Siege of Béxar begins as Texian forces surround San Antonio; city falls in December. |
| October 15, 1880 | Frontier History | Apache leader Victorio is killed at Tres Castillos, ending a major phase of frontier conflict. |
| October 17–18, 1998 | Disaster/Natural Events | Central Texas Floods cause 31 deaths and about $750 million in damage. |
| October 22, 1836 | Politics/Government | Sam Houston is inaugurated in Columbia as the first elected President of the Republic of Texas. |
| October 23, 1989 | Industrial Disaster | Phillips Petroleum plant explosion in Pasadena kills 23 and injures hundreds. |
| October 26, 1886 | Culture/Business | The first State Fair of Texas opens at Fair Park in Dallas. |
| October 28, 1835 | State History/Military | Battle of Concepción; Texian forces under Bowie and Fannin defeat a Mexican force near Mission Concepción. |
October 1–13
1862 – Great Hanging at Gainesville (Civil War / Politics)
A hastily convened citizens’ court in Gainesville condemned and executed at least 41 suspected Unionists without legal due process—one of the largest mass hangings in U.S. history, leaving lasting divisions in North Texas.
October 2
1835 – Battle of Gonzales (State History / Military)
Often called the opening of the Texas Revolution, Texian settlers resisted Mexican troops seeking to retrieve a cannon and defiantly raised the “Come and Take It” flag—marking the first battle for Texas independence.
October 3
1832 – Convention of 1832 Concludes (Politics / Government)
In San Felipe de Austin, delegates sought reforms—such as immigration from the U.S., tariff relief, and separate statehood within Mexico. Although their efforts were dismissed by Mexican authorities, the convention laid the foundation for future revolutionary action.
October 4
1876 – Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas Opens (Education)
Supported by the Morrill Act and state legislation, this first public higher-education institution began instruction in Brazos County; it evolved into today’s Texas A&M University, a leading research university.
October 5
1838 – Killough Massacre (Frontier History)
Near Larissa in Cherokee County, 18 members of the Killough family and associates were killed or abducted in what is considered the last and largest Native American attack on white settlers in East Texas.
1911 – First Classes at the University of Texas at Austin (Education)
UT Austin opened its initial academic year with 221 students on the “Forty Acres” campus—laying the foundation for a top-tier public university.
1960 – Dallas Cowboys’ NFL Debut (Sports)
The Cowboys played their first regular-season game, losing 35–28 to the Steelers—launching one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
October 6
1883 – First Train Arrives in El Paso (Business / Infrastructure)
The Southern Pacific Railroad reached El Paso, connecting it directly to national rail lines and triggering rapid economic growth and trade.
1923 – Texas Technological College Opens (Education)
Established to serve West Texas, the Lubbock campus began instruction and later became Texas Tech University, a major educational institution in the region.
October 7
1835 – Battle of Lipantitlán (State History / Military)
Texian forces seized the Mexican fort at Lipantitlán, cutting a vital supply route and boosting Texian morale early in the Revolution.
October 8
2014 – First U.S. Ebola Death in Dallas (Health / Contemporary History)
Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the U.S., died at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas—raising national awareness and prompting updates in public health protocols.
October 9
1835 – Battle of Goliad (State History / Military)
Texian forces captured the garrison at Presidio La Bahía after a brief fight, securing valuable weapons and giving revolutionaries strategic momentum.
October 10
1845 – Texas Admitted as the 28th State (Political Integration)
Texas was officially admitted into the United States, expanding the Union and shaping the nation’s southwest frontier.
October 12–15
1835 – Siege of Béxar Begins (State History / Military)
Texian troops laid siege to the Mexican-held city of San Antonio de Béxar. This major campaign concluded in December with Texians securing the city after intense fighting.
October 15
1880 – Apache Leader Victorio Killed (Frontier History)
Noted Apache leader Victorio was killed near El Paso. Known for his resistance against U.S. and Mexican forces, his death ended a significant chapter of frontier conflict.
October 17–18
1998 – Central Texas Floods (Disaster / Natural Events)
Flash floods wreaked havoc across Central and Southeast Texas, claiming 31 lives and inflicting nearly $750 million in damage—a catastrophic emergency in the region’s modern history.
October 22
1836 – Sam Houston Inaugurated (Politics / Government)
Houston was sworn in as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas following independence, setting the stage for the young republic’s governance.
October 23
1989 – Pasadena Chemical Plant Explosion (Industrial Disaster)
An ethylene leak at a Phillips Petroleum plant triggered explosions that killed 23 people, underscoring the importance of industrial safety in Texas.
October 26
1886 – First State Fair of Texas Opens (Culture / Business / Festival)
Dallas hosted the inaugural fair at Fair Park, drawing large crowds with agricultural exhibits and entertainment—beginning a cultural institution that endures today.
From the first shots of the Texas Revolution to the rise of major universities and the opening of statewide traditions, October has been a month of action and change for the Lone Star State. Each event, whether born from struggle, innovation, or celebration, adds a chapter to the Texas story. Remembering these moments keeps the past alive and shows how history continues to shape the people and places of Texas today.
