Eight Dates Every Texan Should Know

Explain the significance of the following dates: 1519, mapping of the Texas coast and first mainland Spanish settlement; 1718, founding of San Antonio; 1821, independence from Spain; 1836, Texas independence; 1845, annexation; 1861, Civil War begins; 1876, adoption of current state constitution; and 1901, discovery of oil at Spindletop.

Part of The student understands traditional historical points of reference in Texas history

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Intro

Eight Dates, Eight Turning Points

This lesson explains why eight dates matter in Texas history. Historians call them points of reference, meaning landmarks you use to tell whether other events happened before or after them, much like saying 'before seventh grade' or 'after we moved.'

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