1. In 1845, Texas was admitted as the 28th state of the United States of America on December 15th. This historic event is celebrated annually as Texas Statehood Day.

2. On December 15, 1863, the famous Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jackson was born in what is now known as Clarksburg, West Virginia, but he became known for his role in the Civil War, particularly his leadership at the Battle of Bull Run.

3. In 1873, the state of Texas established its first public university, Texas A&M University, on December 15th. The university was originally known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and was created to promote scientific and technical education in the state.

4. The San Jacinto Monument, which commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto and the victory of Texas over Mexico in 1836, was dedicated on December 15, 1939. The monument is the tallest stone column in the world and is located in La Porte, Texas.

5. On December 15, 1948, LBJ won a U.S. Senate race. Lyndon B. Johnson, a native Texan, went on to become one of the most influential political figures in American history.