The 70's energy crisis set the Texas oil industry up to make zillions of dollars in the 80's and the rest of the country, and the world, took notice. Rising from the ashes of 70's era inflation and financial woe, Texas was ready to party.
Gunfights were pretty common in 1800's era Texas. The biggest one in Texas however wasn't between the town sheriff and some outlaws, it was between cops and student protestors.
Guns in schools? Drinking and driving? Leaving cars and homes unlocked? Smoking areas for high school students? Yep, all once totally normal in El Paso and Texas in general once upon a time.
Between December, 1884 and December, 1885 ... about 3 years before Jack The Ripper did his thing in London ... 8 girls were attacked, raped and murdered in Austin, Texas.