Texas' Historical Milestones On This Day July 31st

On this day in Texas history, July 31st, one notable event occurred in 1817, when the notorious pirate Louis Michel Aury resigned his Mexican commission to rule Galveston Island. Aury was known for his piracy activities along the Gulf Coast and his involvement in the early days of the Mexican Revolution. However, his rule over Galveston Island did not last long, as he was eventually driven out by the pirate Jean Lafitte.

Moving forward to 1867, the establishment of Fort Griffin on the Brazos River took place in Shackelford County. This military post was established when four companies of the 6th U.S. Cavalry arrived at the site. The fort played a significant role in protecting settlers and travelers in the region during a time of heightened tensions with Native American tribes.

Shifting gears to more modern history, July 31st marked the founding of Tarrant County Junior College in 1965. This educational institution has since become one of the largest community colleges in Texas, offering a wide range of academic and vocational programs to students.