Texas: A Lone Star State of Mind
Known as the "Lone Star State," Texas holds a storied history that is covered with tales of cowboy legends, battles for freedom and a distinct blend of cultures. From the iconic Alamo in San Antonio to the modern metropolises of Dallas, Houston, and Austin, Texas offers a journey through time and space, capturing the essence of both the Wild West and the cutting edge. Texas boasts a rich musical heritage, from the twang of country tunes to the electric rhythm of blues, all the way to the lively beats of Tejano and the grandeur of orchestras. With a fusion of Mexican, Native American, European and American cultures, Texas showcases a culinary experience that ranges from mouthwatering barbecue to authentic Tex-Mex.
Texas Quick Facts
Texas is the 2nd largest state by land area as it covers more than 268,596 square miles. Texas is also the 2nd largest state by population with more than 30 million residents. There are a total of 1,470 cities and towns in Texas. There are 3 cities with more than 1 million people in Texas - Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. The state nickname for Texas is the "Lone Star State" as it is a tribute to the Texas state flag which contains a single white star. Texas has more than 12 million cattle in the state. Texas has been the birthplace of two U.S. presidents - Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Jonson of Stonewall. Texas is home to numerous prestigious universities, including the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and Rice University. NASA's Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, has played a crucial role in the U.S. space program and is a hub for astronaut training and mission control. Texas boasts various natural attractions, including the Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon, Enchanted Rock and the Gulf Coast's sandy beaches. Texas has one of the largest economies in the world, driven by industries such as energy (especially oil and natural gas), technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and aerospace. Famous people born in Texas includes Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Steve Martin, Jamie Foxx, Willie Nelson, Owen Wilson, Farrah Fawcett, Mark Cuban, Shaquille O'Neal, Selena Gomez, Woody Harrelson, Sandra Bullock, Usher, Jennifer Gardner and Howard Hughes.
The History of Texas
The land that is now Texas was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche and Caddo. Spanish explorers, including Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the area in the 16th century. Texas was part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain in 1821. American settlers, known as Texians, migrated to Texas and clashed with Mexican authorities over issues such as land ownership and cultural differences. Tensions between Texians and Mexican authorities escalated, leading to the Texas Revolution in 1835. The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 became a symbol of resistance as a group of Texian defenders held off Mexican forces. The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation from 1836 to 1845. Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845, leading to tensions with Mexico. The dispute over the Texas-Mexico border contributed to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in the U.S. acquiring present-day California, New Mexico and Arizona. Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War (1861-1865). After the Civil War, Texas saw a surge in cattle ranching and the emergence of iconic figures like cowboys and cattle drives. The Spindletop oil discovery in 1901 marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom, transforming the state's economy and contributing to its status as a leading energy producer. Today, Texas remains a center of economic and cultural influence, with cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin playing pivotal roles in technology, finance, music and more.
The Geography of Texas
Texas situated on the southern part of the United States and is bordered by 4 U.S. states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. It is also bordered by the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas to the southwest. Texas boasts a significant coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, spanning over 350 miles. The coastline includes sandy beaches, barrier islands, bays, and estuaries that contribute to the state's maritime industry, recreation, and diverse ecosystems. Texas boasts a significant coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, spanning over 350 miles. The eastern part of Texas is dominated by the Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized by flat terrain, marshes, and bayous. Houston, the largest city in the state, is located in this region. The central part of Texas features the Edwards Plateau, also known as the Hill Country. The northern and western parts of the state are characterized by vast prairies and plains, including the High Plains to the west. West Texas features portions of the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the largest deserts in North America. The western border of Texas is defined by the Rocky Mountains' southern extension, including the Guadalupe Mountains and the Davis Mountains. The Texas-Mexico border is marked by the Rio Grande River, which plays a vital role in regional geography and has cultural significance. Texas is home to numerous caves, including Carlsbad Caverns, a famous cave system located partly in Texas and partly in New Mexico. Texas is home to iconic natural attractions such as Big Bend National Park, the Guadalupe Mountains, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Padre Island National Seashore.
Texas Relocation Guide
Yee-haw! Welcome to Texas. These days, with the entire country experiencing a lagging economy, business goes on almost as usual in Texas. With an economy that rivals the size of many of the nations in the world, you may find yourself relocating to Texas. Looking at a map of Texas cities, you will notice multiple large cities such as Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Lubbock and El Paso. If you are planning to relocate to one of these world-class Texas cities in the near future, what can you expect when you get there?
First of all, you are sure to encounter a lot of Texas pride. The only of the 50 states allowed to secede from the Union at any time, cities in Texas also offer housing prices lower than in any other state besides Oklahoma. Additionally, Texas' state tax burdens rank among the lowest in the nation, and the state is only one of six in the nation that does not make residents pay income tax. And, there are a wide variety of job opportunities in Texas, from positions in energy or technology to agriculture or commerce. There are 55 Fortune 500 companies based in Texas; the state is now home to more of them than New York. And while you may sweat to death in the summer, it is rare to see more than a few snowflakes in most parts of Texas.
For the most part, most cities in Texas are considered very safe. Texas crime rates are virtually the same as the national average. What might surprise most people is that crime is extremely low in many large cities like Plano and Irving.
