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May 12, 2025
Today in Texas History
On this day in 1903, "The Eyes of Texas" was first sung. The performance took place at a minstrel show benefiting the University of Texas track team, at the Hancock Opera House in Austin.
The ditty soon became the official song of the University of Texas, and is even considered by some a sort of unofficial state song (such enthusiasts are rare at College Station).
William L. Prather, an alumnus of Washington College (Lexington, Virginia) and president of UT from 1899 to 1905, had often in his student days heard Robert E. Lee, then president of Washington College, say to students, "The eyes of the South are upon you."
Prather altered the saying for use at UT.
The ditty soon became the official song of the University of Texas, and is even considered by some a sort of unofficial state song (such enthusiasts are rare at College Station).
William L. Prather, an alumnus of Washington College (Lexington, Virginia) and president of UT from 1899 to 1905, had often in his student days heard Robert E. Lee, then president of Washington College, say to students, "The eyes of the South are upon you."
Prather altered the saying for use at UT.