Waco Mammoth National Monument Was Established in 2015

 Events
Jul 102025
 
Waco Mammoth National

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument was established in 2015 near Waco, Texas. The museum and site preserves the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals. The nursery of mother and young Columbian mammoths was probably caught in a flash flood about 67,000 years ago. The site was discovered in 1978 by two men looking for arrowheads. Children can learn more, including the differences between Columbian mammoths and woolly mammoths, at: http://www.nps.gov/waco/index.htm.

Padre Island National Seashore Was Established in 1962

 Events
Sep 282025
 
Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore was established in 1962. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the national seashore is the longest unprotected barrier island in the world. Five species of sea turtles (Kemp’s ridleys, loggerheads, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and greens) nest on the island. More than 380 species of birds live on the island or migrate through the area. Children can learn more at: Padre Island.

Happy Birthday, Texas!

 Events
Dec 292025
 
Texas State Flag

Texas State Flag

Texas became the twenty-eighth state of the United States in 1845. Its name derives from the Caddo tavshas, meaning friends. Its nickname is the Lone Star State, and Austin is the capital. While it is the second largest state of the Union, more than three-fourths of the population lives in cities. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio are listed in America’s ten largest cities. At one time the region that is now Texas belonged to Spain. Then Mexico claimed ownership. For a while Texas was an independent country, and then it joined the United States. Oil is a major natural resource, and the state produces cotton and cattle. The state dish is chili. Children could make and eat chili.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Was Signed in 1848

 Events
Feb 022026
 

Map of Land Affected by the Treaty

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the war between Mexico and the United States. In return for fifteen million dollars from the United States, Mexico gave up the land that became California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Texas also became part of the United States.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Was Established in 1983

 Events
Apr 012026
 
San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established in 1983. Five Spanish missions were created around 1690 to 1720 in what is now San Antonio, Texas. Today four of the missions are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The sites include Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. The fifth mission is the Alamo, administered by the Texas General Land Office. On July 5, 2015, the five missions became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm.

Battle of San Jacinto – 1836

 Events
Apr 212026
 

Battle of San Jacinto occurred in 1836 in Texas. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his 1,200 soldiers attacked General Sam Houston and his 910 men. The Texans retreated but then caught the Mexicans in surprise. In less than one half hour, the Texans won. As a result of this battle, Texas won its independence from Mexico. Children could read Journey to San Jacinto (Mr. Barrington’s Mysterious Trunk) by Melodie A. Cuate. Children could also learn more at: San Jacinto.

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