Texas' Historical Milestones On This Day May 11th

On this day in Texas history, May 11th has seen a wide range of significant events throughout the years. One devastating event occurred in 1953 when a tornado in Waco took the lives of 114 people and destroyed nearly 200 businesses. Similarly, in 1970, Lubbock was hit by a tornado that resulted in twenty-six fatalities and over $135 million in damage.

On a more positive note, construction began on the Toledo Bend Reservoir in 1964. This reservoir, spanning parts of both Texas and Louisiana, was completed in 1969 and has since provided valuable resources for both states. In 2003, baseball fans celebrated as Rafael Palmeiro of the Texas Rangers hit his 500th career home run, joining an elite group of players in the sport's history.

Lastly, a more somber event took place in 2016 when the ATF confirmed that the fire at the West Fertilizer Company, which led to a tragic explosion in 2013, was intentionally set. Despite these challenges, Texas has always remained resilient, as evidenced by the words of Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."