General Texas History Trivia Quiz

Answer: Six

Over the years, a total of six flags have flown over Texas. Going in order, they are: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. Many places in Texas still fly all six flags.

Answer: True

According to the U.S. flag code article 175 section F, the Texas flag, or any other state/local flag can be flown at the same height as the United States flag, as long as it is neither higher nor to the right of Old Glory.

Answer: Moses Austin

In 1821, Moses Austin, who was living in Louisiana at the time, received permission to bring approximately 300 colonists to settle in Texas. On his way to Missouri for the settlers, he was brutally attacked by highwaymen, who robbed and severely beat him. He eventually made it to Missouri, but died before he could bring the settlers to Texas.

Answer: Spindletop

On January 10, 1901, Spindletop became the first major oil well in Texas. It took almost nine days to gain control over the amazing geyser of oil struck by Anthony F. Lucas. Almost overnight, the nearby town of Beaumont became a boomtown. Today, there is a reenactment of the small community as it was in 1901 when the oil well was found.

Answer: Cabeza de Vaca

In 1528, a shipwrecked Cabeza de Vaca became the first known European to enter and set foot in what is now Texas. Although he claimed Texas as part of New Spain, colonization was not immediate. The first European colony in Texas was French, not Spanish, at the end of the next century in 1684.

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda sailed the Gulf of Mexico n 1519 and produced the first map of the Texas coastline. There is no evidence that he and his crew went ashore.

Answer: Treaties of Velasco

Following Santa Anna's capture after the Battle of San Jacinto, both Mexico and Texas signed the Treaties of Velasco, though Mexico never ratified it. Mexico vowed to regain control of Texas, but they never did.

Answer: Mirabeau B. Lamar

While in office as president of the Republic of Texas, Lamar persuaded the legislature to set aside land in each county for the establishment of schools. He also set aside land for the foundation of two universities, which would later become the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

Answer: A day to commemorate the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas

Juneteenth is the anniversary of the day when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally announced publicly to the citizens of Texas. Over two years after the initial announcement in 1863, slavery was abolished in Texas, ending an era.

Answer: Palmito Ranch, Texas

Over a month after the Civil War ended, the Union forces under command of Theodore H. Barrett attacked the rebel encampment at the Brazos Santiago Depot near Brownsville. Although the cause for the attack has never been made clear, many believe that he attacked just for the glory of being called a "war hero".

Answer: Marines

In 1966, Charles Whitman barricaded himself on the observation deck of the University of Texas's Main Building. In the 96-minute stand-off with police, Whitman killed 14 people, and injured 31 others before finally being shot and killed by the police.