1. In 1859, the first issue of the Austin Tri-Weekly Democratic Statesman was published. This newspaper would go on to become the longest-running paper in Texas, providing coverage of major events and issues in the state for over a century.

2. On November 24, 1874, the state of Texas officially adopted the bluebonnet as its state flower. The bluebonnet, also known as the Lupinus texensis, is a beautiful wildflower that blooms across the state in the springtime.

3. In 1949, the University of Texas Longhorns football team played their first-ever game at the newly-constructed Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns defeated the University of Georgia Bulldogs 34-14 in front of a crowd of over 30,000 people.

4. On this day in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The tragedy had a profound impact on the state and the nation, leading to intense investigations and a national sense of mourning.

5. In 1970, the Texas Rangers division of the Department of Public Safety was officially established. The Rangers, who are known for their iconic cowboy hats and boots, are tasked with investigating major crimes and enforcing state laws. Over the years, they have become a symbol of Texas law enforcement and culture.