Texas' Historical Milestones On This Day May 5th

May 5th, we celebrate an important event in Mexican history known as El Cinco de Mayo. In 1862, Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French expeditionary forces at Puebla, Mexico. This victory is celebrated not only in Mexico but also in parts of the United States, especially in Texas, where it is celebrated with parades, music, and food.

Another event worth mentioning is the arrival of the first contingent of Rough Riders in San Antonio in 1898. They came to Texas to begin training for the Spanish-American War, a conflict that took place between the United States and Spain. The Rough Riders were a cavalry regiment that consisted of volunteers from all around the country, including Texas.

On May 5th, 1939, the telescope of the University of Texas at Austin McDonald Observatory was dedicated. This observatory is located on Mount Locke near Fort Davis and is a world-renowned astronomical research facility. It has contributed immensely to our understanding of the universe and has been home to significant discoveries.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This visit was significant for many reasons, as it highlighted the cultural diversity of the state and also demonstrated the president's commitment to the Hispanic community.

Finally, on May 5th, 2001, the 200th episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" aired on CBS. This popular show, which starred Chuck Norris as a Texas Ranger, was a hit with audiences all over the world and made an important contribution to the state's cultural legacy.