Texas is a state with a storied history that has contributed to its status as a vibrant and thriving place to live. With a strong economy, cultural diversity and a spirit of resilience, modern Texas offers a multitude of opportunities for personal and business growth. This brief history explores the key events that shaped Reliant’s home state into what it is today.

Spanish explorers and missionaries

The history of European exploration in Texas begins with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. In 1519, Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored and mapped the Texas coastline. Later, Spanish explorers, such as Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, Hernán Cortés and Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured farther into the interior of Texas.

Throughout Texas, Spanish missionaries established missions as centers of religious activity. One of the most famous of these missions is the Alamo, originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero. Founded in 1718, it not only served as a Spanish mission but also a military garrison. Later, it became a symbol of Texas's fight for independence.

Texas joins the United States

The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation for nearly ten years before joining the United States in 1845. The decision to join the United States set the stage for Texas to become a key contributor to the nation's growth and development.

Notable 20th century events

The 20th century brought with it several events that shaped Texas's history. In 1900, the Great Hurricane struck Galveston, a tragedy recognized as one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. The hurricane's devastating impact led to changes in city planning that included construction of the Galveston seawall, which still protects the city today.

In the early 1960s, Texas became a focal point of the Space Race. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, formerly known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, served as NASA's hub for human spaceflight activities. It was from this center that the Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, were coordinated. The phrase "Houston, we have a problem," uttered by Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert during a mission in 1970, has become synonymous with overcoming challenges.

During the mid-20th century, Texas played a pivotal role in national politics with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. As the 36th President of the United States, Johnson, a native Texan, implemented his ambitious domestic agenda known as the Great Society. His administration brought about significant legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Texas's financial history includes the economic boom of the early 20th century made possible by the discovery of oil. Spindletop, a towering gusher near Beaumont, marked the beginning of the Texas oil industry in 1901. The discovery led to an influx of wealth and transformed the state's economy. Today, Texas remains a major player in the energy industry, with oil, gas and renewables contributing significantly to its economic prosperity.