1. On January 20, 1839, the Congress of the Republic of Texas authorized the creation of the Texas Rangers, a renowned law enforcement organization that played a key role in the settlement of the state's frontier.

2. In 1841, on January 20, the first county in Texas to be named after a woman was established. Houston County was named after Margaret Houston, the daughter of Texas hero Sam Houston.

3. On January 20, 1845, the Republic of Texas officially became the 28th state of the United States.

4. On January 20, 1873, the Texas legislature designated the bluebonnet as the official state flower. The bluebonnet is a cherished symbol of Texas and can be found in fields across the state every spring.

5. On January 20, 1937, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, visited Dallas, Texas and delivered his famous "Quarantine Speech," which urged the world to unite against the rise of aggressive nations and avoid global conflict. The speech was a prelude to America's entry into World War II.