Texas

Basic Information

Texas, the second largest state in both area and population, is known for its distinctive culture, diverse landscapes ranging from desert to coastline, strong economy, and rich history that includes time as an independent republic.

Capital

• Austin

Largest City

• Houston

Area

• 268,596 sq mi

Population

• 29.5 million (2020)

Demographics

Texas has a diverse and rapidly growing population with significant Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities alongside its historic Anglo population.

Ethnic Composition

• White:41.2%
• Hispanic:39.7%
• African American:12.9%
• Asian:5.2%
• Other:1.0%

Languages

• English:64.6%
• Spanish:29.5%
• Vietnamese:0.8%
• Chinese:0.7%
• Other Languages:4.4%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:25.5%
• 18-64:61.8%
• 65+:12.7%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:1.8%
• Natural Increase:Strong positive
• Migration:Significant domestic and international in-migration

Economy

Texas has a diverse and robust economy that would rank as the 9th largest in the world if it were an independent nation. Key sectors include energy, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

GDP

• $2.0 trillion (2022)

Major Industries

• Energy (Oil, Natural Gas, Renewable)
• Technology and Telecommunications
• Healthcare and Biotechnology
• Aerospace and Defense
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Manufacturing
• Financial Services

Employment Rate

• Employed:96.1%
• Unemployment:3.9%

Major Companies

• ExxonMobil
• AT&T
• Dell Technologies
• Texas Instruments
• USAA
• H-E-B
• American Airlines

Climate

Texas features diverse climatic zones ranging from humid subtropical in the east to arid desert in the west, with significant temperature variations and weather patterns.

Eastern Region

• Avg. Summer:85-95°F
• Avg. Winter:40-60°F
• Rainfall:45-55 inches/year
• Humid subtropical climate

Central Texas

• Avg. Summer:90-100°F
• Avg. Winter:35-60°F
• Rainfall:30-40 inches/year
• Semi-arid to subtropical

Western Region

• Avg. Summer:90-105°F
• Avg. Winter:30-60°F
• Rainfall:8-20 inches/year
• Arid to semi-arid desert

Weather Patterns

• Hurricane Season:June-November (Gulf Coast)
• Tornado Season:April-June (North/Central)
• Summer Heat Waves
• Flash Floods
• Winter Ice Storms (North Texas)
• Drought Cycles

Visiting Texas

Texas offers visitors incredibly diverse experiences from cosmopolitan cities to historic sites, natural wonders, and unique cultural attractions.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:March-May (wildflower season, comfortable temperatures)
• Fall:September-November (mild weather, festivals)
• Winter:December-February (mild in south, potential snow in panhandle)
• Summer:June-August (hot, but beach season on Gulf Coast)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Dallas/Fort Worth International, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), Austin-Bergstrom International, San Antonio International
• Interstate Highways:I-10, I-20, I-30, I-35, I-40, I-45
• Public Transportation:Available in major cities
• Car Rental:Recommended for exploring beyond cities
• Amtrak:Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited routes

Accommodation

• Hotels:Abundant in cities and tourist areas
• Resorts:Gulf Coast, Hill Country, major cities
• Bed & Breakfasts:Popular in historic districts and small towns
• Ranches:Working and guest ranches throughout the state
• Camping:State parks and natural areas
• Vacation Rentals:Widespread availability

Tourist Information

• Welcome Centers:Located along major highways at state borders
• Tourism Website:Travel Texas
• Regional Tourism Offices:In major cities and destinations
• State Parks Visitor Centers

Popular Attractions

Texas features diverse attractions from historic landmarks to natural wonders, urban experiences, and cultural sites.

Historic Sites

• The Alamo (San Antonio)
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Texas State Capitol (Austin)
• Dealey Plaza and Sixth Floor Museum (Dallas)
• San Jacinto Monument and Battleground
• Fort Worth Stockyards
• Space Center Houston

Natural Attractions

• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Padre Island National Seashore
• Natural Bridge Caverns
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
• Palo Duro Canyon
• Caddo Lake

Urban Destinations

• San Antonio River Walk
• Houston Museum District
• Austin's South Congress and Sixth Street
• Dallas Arts District
• The Pearl District (San Antonio)
• Fort Worth Cultural District
• Galveston Historic Pleasure Pier

Family Attractions

• Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington)
• SeaWorld San Antonio
• Schlitterbahn Waterparks
• San Antonio Zoo
• Houston Zoo
• Dallas World Aquarium
• Moody Gardens (Galveston)

History

Texas has a complex and fascinating history that includes Native American settlements, Spanish and Mexican rule, independence as a republic, and eventual statehood.

Indigenous Period

• Native Peoples:Caddo, Apache, Comanche, Karankawa, and many others
• Ancient Settlements:Dating back 10,000+ years
• Trade Networks:Extensive regional commerce
• Cultural Diversity:At least 50 distinct groups historically

Colonial Era

• Spanish Exploration:1519-1821
• Mission System Established:1700s
• Mexican Independence:1821
• Anglo Settlement:Stephen F. Austin's Colony, 1821
• Tensions with Mexican Government:1830s

Republic Period

• Texas Revolution:1835-1836
• Battle of the Alamo:March 1836
• Independence from Mexico:March 2, 1836
• Republic of Texas:1836-1845
• Sam Houston and Mirabeau B. Lamar Presidencies
• International Recognition

Statehood to Present

• U.S. Statehood:December 29, 1845
• Civil War and Reconstruction:1861-1874
• Cattle Kingdom Era:1866-1890
• Oil Discovery at Spindletop:1901
• Modern Industrialization:Post-WWII
• NASA and Space Age:1960s-present
• Economic and Population Growth:1980s-present

State Symbols

Texas has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Mammal:

  Texas Longhorn
• State Small Mammal:

  Armadillo
• State Bird:

  Northern Mockingbird
• State Fish:

  Guadalupe Bass
• State Insect:

  Monarch Butterfly
• State Reptile:

  Texas Horned Lizard

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Bluebonnet
• State Tree:

  Pecan
• State Grass:

  Sideoats Grama
• State Plant:

  Prickly Pear Cactus
• State Shrub:

  Texas Purple Sage
• State Native Pepper:

  Chiltepin

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  "Lone Star Flag"
• State Song:

  "Texas, Our Texas"
• State Dish:

  Chili
• State Music:

  Western Swing
• State Folk Dance:

  Square Dance
• State Vehicle:

  Chuck Wagon

Other Symbols

• State Gemstone:

  Texas Blue Topaz
• State Stone:

  Petrified Palmwood
• State Fruit:

  Texas Red Grapefruit
• State Bread:

  Pan de Campo
• State Sport:

  Rodeo
• State Fiber/Fabric:

  Cotton

State Facts

Texas holds numerous distinctive records and facts that highlight its unique character and place in American history.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Gulf of Mexico (sea level)
• Longest River:

  Rio Grande
• Largest Natural Lake:

  Caddo Lake
• Coastline:

  367 miles along Gulf of Mexico
• International Border:

  1,254 miles with Mexico

Records & Rankings

• 2nd Largest State by Area (after Alaska)
• 2nd Most Populous State (after California)
• Largest Producer of Oil and Natural Gas in U.S.
• Leads Nation in Wind Energy Production
• Largest Ranch:

  King Ranch (825,000 acres)
• Leads Nation in Cattle, Cotton, and Sheep Production

Notable Firsts

• First Frozen Margarita Machine (Dallas, 1971)
• First Integrated Circuit (Texas Instruments, 1958)
• First Rodeo (Pecos, 1883)
• First Domed Stadium (Astrodome, 1965)
• First Heart Transplant (Houston, 1968)
• First Whataburger Restaurant (Corpus Christi, 1950)

Unique Features

• Only State to Enter Union by Treaty (not Congressional approval)
• Only State to Have Served Under Six Different Flags
• Has Its Own Power Grid (ERCOT)
• Contains 254 Counties (more than any other state)
• Home to World's Largest Bat Colony (Bracken Cave)
• State Can Divide into 5 States by Terms of Annexation Resolution

Government & Politics

Texas operates under a state constitution with three branches of government and has a strong tradition of local control and conservative politics in recent decades.

Governor

• Greg Abbott (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate (31 members) and House of Representatives (150 members)

Political Trends

• Republican dominance in statewide offices since 1990s
• Growing urban-rural political divide

Political Structure

• Executive Branch led by Governor and elected executive council
• Biennial Legislative Sessions
• Strong Lieutenant Governor Position
• Elected Judges at All Levels
• Strong County Government System
• Home Rule Cities with Significant Authority

Time Zones

Texas spans two time zones, with most of the state in the Central Time Zone and the westernmost part in Mountain Time.

Central Time

• Most of Texas (Central Time, UTC -6)

Mountain Time

• El Paso and Hudspeth counties (Mountain Time, UTC -7)

Daylight Saving

• Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
• Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC -6)

Time Zone Division

• Primarily follows county lines
• El Paso area observes Mountain Time due to geographic and economic connections with New Mexico

Education

Texas has one of the largest education systems in the United States, with numerous public and private institutions serving its diverse population.

Higher Education

• University of Texas System (14 institutions)
• Texas A&M University System (11 institutions)
• Texas Tech University System
• University of Houston System
• Texas State University System
• Private Universities:Rice, Baylor, SMU, TCU, Trinity
• Community College Districts:50 serving over 700,000 students

K-12 Education

• Public School Districts:1,200+ districts, 9,000+ schools
• Charter Schools:800+ campuses
• Private Schools:900+ institutions
• Homeschooling:Large community
• State Board of Education Oversight
• Texas Education Agency Administration
• STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Testing

Educational Initiatives

• College and Career Readiness Standards
• Texas Education Data Standards
• STEM Education Programs
• Bilingual Education
• Texas School of the Deaf and School for the Blind
• Texas Virtual School Network
• Dual Credit and Early College Programs

Notable Educational Achievements

• Top Research Universities
• Leading Medical Education Centers
• Strong Technical Education Programs
• Magnet Schools Excellence
• Military Base Educational Support
• Border Education Initiatives
• Rural Education Support Systems

Culture & Festivals

Texas has a distinctive cultural identity shaped by its multicultural history, frontier heritage, and regional diversity that is celebrated through numerous festivals and traditions.

Major Festivals

• South by Southwest (Austin)
• State Fair of Texas (Dallas)
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
• Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Fiesta San Antonio
• Galveston Mardi Gras
• Texas Renaissance Festival
• Wurstfest (New Braunfels)

Cultural Events

• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
• Texas Folklife Festival
• Juneteenth Celebrations
• Houston Art Car Parade
• Terlingua Chili Cookoff
• Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
• Corpus Christi's Buccaneer Days
• Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Regional Traditions

• Rodeos and Stock Shows
• Tejano Music and Conjunto Festivals
• Cowboy Poetry Gatherings
• Czech and German Heritage Festivals
• Quinceañeras Celebrations
• Gulf Coast Seafood Festivals
• West Texas Ranch Traditions
• East Texas Folk Heritage Events

Arts & Performance

• Houston Theater District
• Fort Worth Cultural District
• Dallas Arts District
• Austin Music Scene
• Ballet Folklórico Companies
• Texas Country Music Scene
• San Antonio Art Galleries
• Historic Movie Palaces

Sports & Teams

Texas has a passionate sports culture with major professional teams, world-class collegiate programs, and deep traditions in high school and amateur sports.

Professional Teams

• NFL:Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans
• NBA:Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs
• MLB:Texas Rangers, Houston Astros
• NHL:Dallas Stars
• MLS:FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Austin FC
• WNBA:Dallas Wings
• Minor League:20+ baseball, hockey, and soccer teams

College Athletics

• University of Texas Longhorns
• Texas A&M Aggies
• Baylor Bears
• TCU Horned Frogs
• Texas Tech Red Raiders
• SMU Mustangs
• Houston Cougars
• Notable Rivalries:Red River Showdown, Lone Star Showdown

High School Sports

• Football:"Friday Night Lights" culture
• UIL State Championships
• Massive high school stadiums
• Basketball powerhouse programs
• Baseball traditions
• Track and field excellence
• Marching band competitions
• Drill team and cheerleading competitions

Sporting Events & Venues

• AT&T Stadium (Arlington)
• NRG Stadium (Houston)
• Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth)
• Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show
• Circuit of the Americas (Austin)
• PGA Tour Events
• Dallas and Houston Marathons
• Red River Showdown (Cotton Bowl, Dallas)

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Texas cuisine reflects the state's multicultural heritage with Tex-Mex, barbecue, Southern, German, Czech, and Gulf Coast influences creating distinctive regional food traditions.

Signature Dishes

• Texas Barbecue (brisket, ribs, sausage)
• Tex-Mex (enchiladas, fajitas, chili con carne)
• Chicken Fried Steak
• Texas-Style Chili (no beans)
• Kolaches and Klobasniky
• Pecan Pie
• Gulf Coast Seafood
• Texas Sheet Cake

Regional Specialties

• Central Texas Barbecue (dry-rubbed, post oak-smoked)
• East Texas Barbecue (sweet, tomato-based sauce)
• South Texas Barbacoa
• West Texas Steakhouses
• German and Czech Pastries (Hill Country)
• Cajun Influence (East Texas)
• Border Cuisine (Tex-Mex variations)
• Gulf Shrimp and Oysters

Beverages & Spirits

• Texas Craft Beer
• Texas Wines (Hill Country vineyards)
• Margaritas
• Dr Pepper (invented in Waco)
• Topo Chico
• Texas Whiskey and Bourbon
• Sweet Tea
• Ranch Water (tequila, lime, mineral water)

Food Institutions & Traditions

• Whataburger
• Buc-ee's
• Authentic Tex-Mex Restaurants
• BBQ Joints and Meat Markets
• Food Festivals and Cook-offs
• Roadside Pecan Stands
• German and Czech Bakeries
• Food Trucks and Trailers

Infrastructure

Texas has extensive infrastructure systems supporting its large population, economy, and geographic size, with unique features like its independent power grid.

Transportation

• Highway System:80,000+ miles of state-maintained highways
• Major Interstate Highways:I-10, I-20, I-30, I-35, I-37, I-40, I-45
• Airports:27 commercial service airports, 300+ general aviation
• Ports:Port of Houston (one of busiest in US), 10+ other deep-water ports
• Railways:10,000+ miles of freight rail, limited passenger service
• Public Transit:Systems in major metro areas, expanding light rail
• International Border Crossings:28 with Mexico

Energy Systems

• ERCOT:Independent power grid covering 90% of state
• Oil and Gas Infrastructure:Refineries, pipelines, terminals
• Wind Energy:Leading US producer with extensive wind farms
• Solar Energy:Rapidly expanding capacity
• Nuclear Plants:Comanche Peak and South Texas Project
• Natural Gas Power Plants:Major electricity source
• Energy Storage:Developing battery systems

Water Management

• Reservoirs:188 major reservoirs
• River Authorities:23 managing watersheds
• Groundwater Districts:100+ regulating aquifers
• Desalination Plants:Gulf Coast facilities
• Irrigation Systems:Extensive in agricultural regions
• Flood Control Infrastructure:Major systems in urban areas
• Water Conservation Programs:Statewide initiatives

Communications

• Broadband Development:Rural expansion initiatives
• Telecommunications Hubs:Major centers in urban areas
• Research Networks:Academic and commercial
• Space Communications:NASA Johnson Space Center
• Broadcast Media Reach:Spanish and English networks
• Cell Towers:Extensive coverage with rural gaps
• Emergency Communication Systems:Hurricane and disaster response

Notable Historical Figures

Texas has been home to influential individuals who shaped state, national, and global history across many fields.

Political Leaders

• Sam Houston (Republic President, Governor, General)
• Stephen F. Austin ("Father of Texas")
• Lyndon B. Johnson (36th U.S. President)
• George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President)
• Barbara Jordan (Congresswoman, Civil Rights leader)
• Ann Richards (Governor)
• Juan Seguín (Tejano Revolutionary, Senator, Mayor)
• Jim Hogg (First native-born Governor)

Military Figures

• Davy Crockett (Alamo defender)
• William B. Travis (Alamo commander)
• Jim Bowie (Alamo defender, knife innovator)
• Audie Murphy (most decorated US soldier of WWII)
• Chester Nimitz (Fleet Admiral, WWII)
• Oveta Culp Hobby (WAC Director, first Army Secretary)
• Chris Kyle ("American Sniper")
• Henry O. Flipper (first Black West Point graduate)

Cultural Icons

• Willie Nelson (musician)
• Selena Quintanilla (Tejano music star)
• Beyoncé Knowles (singer, actress)
• Buddy Holly (rock pioneer)
• Janis Joplin (singer)
• Matthew McConaughey (actor)
• Molly Ivins (journalist)
• Walter Cronkite (journalist)

Innovators & Business Leaders

• Michael Dell (Dell Technologies founder)
• Howard Hughes (aviator, businessman)
• Spindletop oilmen (Patillo Higgins, Anthony Lucas)
• Mary Kay Ash (cosmetics entrepreneur)
• Jack Kilby (integrated circuit inventor)
• T. Boone Pickens (oil and energy)
• Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines founder)
• Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician)

State Government Services

Texas state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Health & Human Services

• Health and Human Services Commission
• Department of State Health Services
• Department of Family and Protective Services
• Texas Medicaid Program
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
• Aging and Disability Services
• Child Support Division

Education & Workforce

• Texas Education Agency
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Texas Workforce Commission
• Texas Veterans Commission
• Texas Juvenile Justice Department
• Adult Education and Literacy Programs
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Teacher Retirement System

Public Safety & Justice

• Department of Public Safety (State Troopers)
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Office of the Attorney General
• Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement
• Alcoholic Beverage Commission
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
• State Fire Marshal's Office

Natural Resources & Environment

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• General Land Office
• Texas Water Development Board
• Texas Department of Agriculture
• Railroad Commission (oil and gas regulation)
• Texas Animal Health Commission
• River Authorities and Water Districts

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Texas' rich history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

Founding Documents

• Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)
• Republic of Texas Constitution (1836)
• Treaties with Native American Tribes
• Treaty of Velasco (1836)
• Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas (1845)
• Current State Constitution (1876, with amendments)
• Secession Ordinance (1861)
• Emancipation Proclamation in Texas (June 19, 1865 - Juneteenth)

Historical Landmarks

• The Alamo (San Antonio)
• San Jacinto Battlefield and Monument
• Texas State Capitol
• Fort Davis National Historic Site
• Presidio La Bahía (Goliad)
• Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
• Dealey Plaza (Dallas)
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Archival Collections

• Texas State Library and Archives Commission
• Dolph Briscoe Center for American History (UT Austin)
• Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center
• Texas General Land Office Archives
• Texas Tech University Southwest Collection
• The Portal to Texas History (UNT)
• The Wittliff Collections (Texas State University)
• Harry Ransom Center (UT Austin)

Historic Districts

• Galveston Strand Historic District
• San Antonio King William Historic District
• Fort Worth Stockyards
• Fredericksburg Historic District
• Dallas West End Historic District
• Old Town Spring
• Jefferson Historic District
• Granbury Town Square

Environmental Initiatives

Texas balances resource development with conservation efforts through various environmental programs.

Conservation Programs

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
• Coastal Management Program
• Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs
• Landowner Incentive Program
• Private Lands and Public Hunting Program
• Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program
• Texas Land Trust Council
• Wetland Conservation Projects

Energy & Climate

• Renewable Energy Development
• Wind Energy Leadership
• Solar Energy Expansion
• Energy Efficiency Programs
• Clean Rivers Program
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Carbon Capture and Storage Research
• Climate Resilience Planning

Water Conservation

• State Water Plan Implementation
• Edwards Aquifer Protection
• Groundwater Conservation Districts
• Water Reuse Initiatives
• Drought Management Planning
• Water Quality Protection Grants
• Rainwater Harvesting Programs
• Watershed Protection Plans

Wildlife Protection

• Texas Wildlife Action Plan
• Endangered Species Management
• Wildlife Management Areas
• Great Texas Wildlife Trails
• Texas Whooping Crane Conservation
• Sea Turtle Protection Program
• Black Bear Conservation
• Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan