Texas History 1900-2000

  • Powell Oilfield

    Powell Oilfield
    Due to the success at Corsicana, more exploration was conducted throughout Navarro county. This led to the discovery of the Powell Oilfield.
  • Spindletop Changes the World

    Spindletop Changes the World
    At 10:30 am on January 10, 1901 a gusher called Spindletop blew in and changed Texas forever. Spindletop nearly ripped it's derrick to pieces and shot a tower of pure crude 100 feet in the air. This gusher lasted more than a week before it was under control.
  • Mexican Civil War

    Mexican Civil War
    The Mexican civil war spills across the border, as refugees seek safety, combatants seek each other, and Texas settlements are raided for supplies by all sides in the fighting. Pancho Villa and his followers are active along the border during some of this time.
  • Texas Adopts the 19th Amendment

    Texas Adopts the 19th Amendment
    Texas became the first state to approve the 19th Amendment to the US constitution, winning women the right to vote in national elections.
  • A New Era

    A New Era
    Governor James V. Allred took office in January and fired every Special Ranger appointed by Ma Ferguson. Allred overhauled the Ranger force by placing them under the newly-created Department of Public Safety.
  • Texas Women

    Texas Women
    Texas women gain the right to serve on juries.
  • President John F. Kennedy Assassination

    President John F. Kennedy Assassination
    President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas and the vice president Lyndon B. Johnson succeeds to the office, becoming the 36th US president.
  • Poll Tax Abolished

    Poll Tax Abolished
    Poll tax is abolished by the 24th Amendment to the US Constitution as a requirement for voting for federal offices. It is retained in Texas, however, for state and local offices.
  • Apollo 11

    Apollo 11
    Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong transmits the first words from the surface of the moon: "Houston, the Eagle has landed."
  • Devastating Tornados (Terrible Tuesday)

    Devastating Tornados (Terrible Tuesday)
    Several tornadoes kill 53 in West Texas, including 42 in Wichita Falls, and cause $400 million in damages.
  • George W. Bush

    George W. Bush
    Former Texas Gov. George W. Bush is elected President of the United States.