101 Facts About Texas ✅

We’re talking about Texas!

101 interesting facts about Texas:

1. Second Largest: Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. by both area and population.
2. Nickname: Known as the “Lone Star State” as a reminder of its former status as an independent republic and a symbol of its struggle for independence from Mexico.
3. Six Flags: Texas has had six flags fly over it—Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and the United States.
4. Texas Independence: Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836.
5. Annexation: Texas was an independent nation from 1836 until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
6. Capitol Building: The Texas State Capitol in Austin is taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
7. Alamo: The Alamo in San Antonio is one of the most famous historical sites in Texas, known for the 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution.
8. Texas Rangers: The Texas Rangers, established in 1835, are one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
9. Oil Boom: The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 started the Texas oil boom, transforming the state’s economy.
10. Cowboy Culture: Texas is known for its cowboy culture, rodeos, and Western lifestyle.
11. Largest Ranch: The King Ranch in Texas is one of the largest ranches in the world, covering over 800,000 acres.
12. State Fair: The State Fair of Texas, held annually in Dallas, is the largest state fair in the U.S.
13. Motto: The state motto of Texas is “Friendship.”
14. Texas BBQ: Texas is famous for its barbecue, especially brisket.
15. Texas Chili: Chili is the official state dish of Texas.
16. No Basement: The phrase “There’s no basement in the Alamo!” is famous, though it refers to a scene in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
17. Bluebonnets: The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas.
18. State Bird: The mockingbird is the state bird of Texas.
19. State Tree: The pecan tree is the state tree of Texas.
20. Texas Longhorn: The Texas Longhorn is the state large mammal.
21. Population Growth: Texas consistently ranks among the fastest-growing states in the U.S.
22. Largest City: Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the U.S.
23. Houston Space Center: Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the hub for astronaut training and flight control.
24. Dallas-Fort Worth: The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S.
25. San Antonio: San Antonio is known for the River Walk, the Alamo, and its rich Spanish colonial heritage.
26. Austin: Austin, the state capital, is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
27. State Fruit: The Texas red grapefruit is the state fruit.
28. State Gem: The Texas blue topaz is the state gem.
29. State Stone: The petrified palmwood is the state stone.
30. Official Dance: The square dance is the official state dance of Texas.
31. Official Sport: Rodeo is the official state sport of Texas.
32. Caddo Lake: Caddo Lake in East Texas is the only natural lake in the state.
33. NASA’s “Houston”: The famous phrase “Houston, we have a problem” refers to Houston’s role in the Apollo 13 mission.
34. Football Culture: High school football is almost a religion in Texas, with stadiums often seating thousands.
35. Largest Military Base: Fort Hood in Texas is one of the largest military bases in the world.
36. Juneteenth: Juneteenth, celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S., originated in Texas.
37. Big Bend: Big Bend National Park in West Texas is one of the most remote and beautiful national parks in the country.
38. Texas Music: Texas has a rich musical heritage, influencing genres from country to blues to rock.
39. Willie Nelson: Country music legend Willie Nelson is a Texas native.
40. Stevie Ray Vaughan: Blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan was born and raised in Texas.
41. Texas Instruments: Texas Instruments, based in Dallas, is famous for developing the first handheld calculator and the microprocessor.
42. Sixth Street: Sixth Street in Austin is famous for its vibrant music scene and nightlife.
43. Texas Wine: Texas is one of the top wine-producing states in the U.S., particularly in the Hill Country.
44. Largest Capitol: The Texas State Capitol building in Austin is the largest state capitol building in the U.S.
45. Galveston: Galveston Island is a popular coastal destination in Texas, known for its beaches and historic architecture.
46. Texas Tea: The term “Texas tea” refers to crude oil, a nod to the state’s oil-rich economy.
47. Lyndon B. Johnson: President Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the U.S., was born in Texas.
48. Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots are a quintessential part of Texas fashion.
49. H-E-B: H-E-B, a Texas-based grocery chain, is beloved by Texans for its quality products and community involvement.
50. SXSW: The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin is one of the largest music, film, and interactive media festivals in the world.
51. Palo Duro Canyon: Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, is the second-largest canyon in the U.S.
52. Enchanted Rock: Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome in the Hill Country, is a popular hiking destination.
53. SpaceX: SpaceX has a launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, where they are developing the Starship spacecraft.
54. San Jacinto Monument: The San Jacinto Monument, near Houston, commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
55. Largest Rodeo: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world.
56. Texas A&M University: Texas A&M, located in College Station, is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. and has a deep-rooted military tradition.
57. The Alamo Draft House: The Alamo Drafthouse, founded in Austin, is a famous movie theater chain known for its unique film screenings and strict etiquette.
58. Fredericksburg: Fredericksburg, Texas, is known for its German heritage, wineries, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
59. Texas Two-Step: The Texas Two-Step is a popular dance style often seen in honky-tonks across the state.
60. Buc-ee’s: Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based chain of convenience stores, is famous for its clean bathrooms, massive stores, and unique snacks.
61. Texas Independence Day: March 2nd is celebrated as Texas Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836.
62. Texas Flag: The Texas state flag is the only state flag that can be flown at the same height as the U.S. flag.
63. Largest Wind Farm: Texas is home to the largest wind farm in the U.S., the Roscoe Wind Farm.
64. Texas Longhorns: The University of Texas at Austin’s sports teams, the Longhorns, have a massive following in the state.
65. Hurricane Harvey: Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history, particularly affecting Houston.
66. World’s First Rodeo: The world’s first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas, in 1883.
67. Tornados: Texas experiences more tornadoes than any other state in the U.S.
68. Cattle Drives: The historic Chisholm Trail and Goodnight-Loving Trail were major cattle drive routes that passed through Texas.
69. NASA’s “Mission Control”: The phrase “Houston, we have a problem” originates from the Apollo 13 mission.
70. Dr Pepper: Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas, in 1885.
71. The Astrodome: The Houston Astrodome, opened in 1965, was the world’s first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium.
72. Permian Basin: The Permian Basin in West Texas is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the U.S.
73. El Paso: El Paso is closer to Los Angeles than it is to Houston.
74. Rio Grande: The Rio Grande River forms the natural border between Texas and Mexico.
75. Battle of the Alamo: The Battle of the Alamo, fought in 1836, is one of the most famous battles in U.S. history.
76. Texas State Fair: The Texas State Fair in Dallas is home to Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall cowboy statue.
77. Shiner Beer: Shiner Bock, a popular Texas beer, is brewed in the small town of Shiner, Texas.
78. Space Industry: Texas has a growing space industry, with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin operating in the state.
79. Texas Hill Country: The Texas Hill Country is known for its scenic beauty, wineries, and spring wildflowers.
80. Texas National Parks: Texas is home to two national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains.
81. Billy Bob’s Texas: Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth is the largest honky-tonk in the world.
82. Port of Houston: The Port of Houston is one of the busiest ports in the U.S.
83. Texas Legislature: The Texas Legislature meets every two years, unlike most other state legislatures.
84. Spanish Missions: Texas is home to several historic Spanish missions, including the Alamo and Mission San José.
85. Cadillac Ranch: Cadillac Ranch, near Amarillo, is a public art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs.
86. Houston Ship Channel: The Houston Ship Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the U.S.
87. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) was inspired by real events in Texas.
88. Johnson Space Center: NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is where astronauts train for space missions.
89. Battle of San Jacinto: The Battle of San Jacinto, fought in 1836, secured Texas’ independence from Mexico.
90. Port Aransas: Port Aransas is a popular beach destination on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
91. Texas State Railroad: The Texas State Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Piney Woods of East Texas.
92. Marfa Lights: The Marfa Lights, mysterious glowing orbs in West Texas, have puzzled visitors for decades.
93. Schlitterbahn: Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas, is one of the largest and most famous water parks in the world.
94. The Texas Revolution: The Texas Revolution was a military conflict between Mexico and settlers in the Texas region of Mexico that resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas.
95. Texas School Book Depository: The Texas School Book Depository in Dallas is where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot President John F. Kennedy.
96. Pecan Pie: Pecan pie is a staple dessert in Texas, reflecting the state’s status as a top pecan producer.
97. Texas Dance Halls: Texas has a rich history of dance halls, many of which are still active today.
98. West Texas Oil: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is a major benchmark in oil pricing.
99. The Great Texas Birding Trail: Texas is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the Great Texas Birding Trail offering some of the best birding in the country.
100. Largest Hot Sauce: The world’s largest hot sauce, created by Tabasco, was made in Texas in 2018.
101. Texas Independence Trail: The Texas Independence Trail is a scenic drive through key historical sites of the Texas Revolution.
     
     

These facts showcase the rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty that make Texas unique.