Texas (Tx): State Guide, Fun Facts, and Resources
Fun Facts about Texas
When did Texas become a state?
December 29, 1845
Who was the first explorer in Texas?
Alonso Alvarez de Pineda – Spanish
First Native American tribes settled in Texas?
Comanche, Apache, Tonkawa, Lipan, Karankawas, Coahuiltecan, Caddo
Population (July 2009 est.):
24,782,302
Square Miles:
268,601
US Rank:
2nd
State Flower:
Bluebonnet
State Bird:
Mockingbird
State Motto:
“Friendship”
Capital City
Austin – Austin was first settled at the beginning of the 1830s. The European settlers did not share the land well with Comanche tribes that had inhabited the area for generations. In 1840, the Council House Fight and the Battle of Plum Creek were decisive victories for the Europeans, finally causing the Comanche tribes to move away from their homeland.
The residents initially called the area Waterloo, and in 1839, shortly after the city’s founding, it was named the capital of the Republic of Texas. It has remained the seat of government for Texas ever since. Austin continued to grow after being named the capital of the republic, and later the state of Texas. In addition to government, Austin’s economy came to depend on technology and business companies that were founded there. The University of Texas drew professors and students in from around the country when it was founded in 1883.
Today, Austin is a diverse and liberal city. It is a center for high technology, learning, business, government and it boasts one of the most lively music scenes in the country.
5 Highest Populated cities in Texas (2000 census)
1. Houston 1,953,631
2. Dallas 1,188,580
3. San Antonio 1,144,646
4. Austin 656,562
5. El Paso 563,662
What is Texas famous for?
1. Battle of the Alamo
During the Texas Revolution, the Alamo Mission was attacked by Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The battle lasted almost two weeks, resulting in a decisive Mexican victory on March 6, 1836. Spurred by the atrocities seen at the Alamo, the Texian army attacked the camp of Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21. The famous cry “Remember the Alamo!” could be heard throughout the duration of the attack. The Mexicans were taken by surprise and the battle was over by the end of the day. This victory marked the end of the war between the Mexicans and Texians, giving the Texians control over the Republic of Texas.
2. Oil
Oil came to Texas just after the start of the new millennium, on January 10, 1901. This marked a decisive change is the economy of the state, which was previously centered around agriculture and farming. When the oil came, landowners became rich, oil extractors became rich, towns were formed where only fields existed and companies were begun that have grown over 100 years into some of the largest oil companies in the United States.
3. John F Kennedy’s assassination
November 22, 1963 proved to be a fateful day in America. It was then, in Dealey Plaza, in Dallas that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He was riding on a motorcade through the city streets with Jacqueline Kennedy (his wife), Texas Governor John Connally and his wife. The story goes that Lee Harvey Oswald was situated in a nearby building in the sixth floor window. There were reportedly three shots fired, the second of which was supposed to have been the fatal wound to President Kennedy.
There has always been speculation regarding the incident, along with dozens of conspiracy theories that point fingers at the government or organized crime syndicates. Oswald was never able to be tried or convicted; he was killed before his trial by a Dallas nightclub owner.
What is Texas’s economy?
1. Agriculture
Texas is the country’s largest producer of livestock, and second largest producer of crops, after California. The most important livestock raised in Texas is beef cattle. Others include young chickens, dairy products, chicken eggs, hogs, sheep, turkeys and angora goats (for their hair).
The most important crops grown in Texas are cotton (the state is the largest grower of cotton in the US), nursery products, corn, gay, wheat, sorghum grain, peanuts, rice, sugar cane, watermelons, grapefruits, onions, potatoes and cabbages.
2. Mining
Texas is a leading producer in the US of oil, contributing to about 20% of the oil mined in the entire country. It also leads the nation, producing one-third of the natural gas supplied. Other mined products include cement and sand and gravel.
3. Services
The services industry accounts for a large percentage of the state’s GDP. The largest contributors in this category are personal services such as private health care, hotels, law firms, engineering companies, natural gas and oil companies and wholesale and retail trade.
Who is the governor of Texas?
Rick Perry – Before becoming governor of Texas, Rick Perry began his political career in the state House of Representatives in 1985. After serving for five years, he was elected to the position of Texas Commissioner of Agriculture in 1990. He served two terms in this position.
As governor, Perry focuses on improving education, securing the Mexican/United States border and repairing the damaged economy. He cut government spending in order to reduce the deficit. He has increased accountability at schools and has given numerous incentives to those working within the public education system in order to improve their services.
Texas Historical Landmarks
1. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
The LBJ National Historical Park is located just west of Austin in the Texas countryside. The park itself consists of 1,570 acres, on which lies the birthplace and lifelong home of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Also located on the grounds of the national park are the first school attended by the president, the Texas White House, Johnson Family Cemetery and the Pedernales River. The park was designated a National Historical Park in December, 1980.
2. Spindletop Oil Field
Located in Beaumont, Texas, the significance of the Spindletop Oil Field in particular is that is was the first location where oil was struck in Texas, on January 10, 1901. The area had been drilled a countless number of time over the previous couple of years, to the frustration of investors and drillers alike. Finally though, Anthony F. Lucas drilled down to 1,139 feet and the oil blew the equipment out of the hole, spewing oil hundreds of feet into the air. The oil discovery turned the town into an oil boom town. Spindletop produced oil continuously until 1936. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark on November 13, 1966.
3. The Majestic Theater
Built in 1929 in San Antonio by architect John Eberson, the Majestic Theater is one of the largest and oldest theaters in the state of Texas. The design was extravagant, including an enormous cast iron canopy announcing the current shows. The lobby was adorned with copper lanterns, elaborate murals covering the walls and ceilings, an aquarium, sculptures and stuffed birds. Throughout its history, the Majestic theater has hosted movie premiers, stage performances and plays and the San Antonio Symphony, which has called the theater home since 1989. The theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1975.
Five Online Resources for Texas
The Official Website of the State of Texas
website
Travel Texas
website
Texas Education Agency
website
Texas Jobs
website
Texas-Made Lesson Plans; dozens of lesson plans for PreK-12
website
List of Famous People From Texas
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