1. On August 12, 1901, the discovery of oil in Spindletop, Texas marked the beginning of the state's oil boom. The gusher produced over 100,000 barrels of oil per day, significantly increasing Texas' economy and changing the face of the oil industry worldwide.

2. On August 12, 1912, renowned comedian and actor, Tex Avery, was born in Taylor, Texas. Avery's contribution to animated film included creating beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fudd.

3. August 12, 1960, marked the first successful launch of a NASA weather satellite, TIROS-1, from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The satellite provided invaluable information about weather patterns and paved the way for further space exploration and scientific research.

4. On August 12, 1966, the first legal casino in Texas, the Golden Nugget, opened in the city of Las Vegas. The event signaled the beginning of the state's now-thriving gambling industry.

5. August 12, 1985, is remembered as the deadliest day in aviation history when a Japan Airlines flight crashed into a mountainside in central Japan, killing all 520 passengers and crew members on board. Among the deceased were 29 Texans, contributing to the state's aviation safety regulation and highlighting the importance of flight safety measures.