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Texas (/ ˈtɛksəs / ⓘ TEK-səss, locally also / ˈtɛksɪz / TEK-siz; [ 8 ] Spanish: Texas or Tejas, [ b ]pronounced [ˈtexas]) is the most populous state in the South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and an international border ...
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Texas, constituent state of the United States of America. It became the 28th state of the union in 1845. Texas occupies the south-central segment of the country and is the largest state in area except for Alaska. The state extends nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from north to south and about the same distance from east to west.
Water delineates many of its borders. The wriggling course of the Red River makes up the eastern two-thirds of Texas’s boundary with Oklahoma to the north, while the remainder of the northern boundary is the Panhandle, which juts northward, forming a counterpart in the western part of that state. The Sabine River forms most of the boundary with Louisiana to the east, where by land it is bounded by Arkansas as well. The crescent-shaped coastline of the Gulf of Mexico lies to the southeast, and the Rio Grande carves a shallow channel that separates Texas from Mexico to the southwest. The state of New Mexico lies to the west. Austin, in the south-central part of the state, is the capital.
The vastness and diversity of Texas are evident in nearly all aspects of its physical features, economy, history, and cultural life. The territory of Texas was part of the Spanish Empire for more than a century. It was then part of the new country of Mexico from 1821 to 1836, when it gained its independence, and had a short-lived existence as a republic before joining the Union. The image of Texas was that of a raw and lawless frontier when it relinquished its independence to become a state. Although Texans still identify strongly with their cowboy heritage, the state’s image of Texas changed dramatically over the course of the 20th century; present-day Texas is known for its great agricultural wealth, major oil and natural gas production, industry and finance, huge urban centres that foster a cosmopolitan cultural life, and seemingly unending stretches of high prairie and ranges devoted to cattle and cotton.
The name of the state derives from the Caddo word thecas, meaning “allies” or “friends.” (The Spanish spelled the word tejas or texas and used it to describe the area where this Native American tribe lived.) Texas is commonly divided into East and West, although the dividing line between the two is ambiguous. Generally, though, East Texas has a wet climate and is characterized by cotton and by ties to the Old South, while West Texas is dry and is known for cattle ranching and an affinity with the West. Area 268,597 square miles (695,662 square km). Population (2020) 29,145,505; (2023 est.) 30,503,301.
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Texas comprises a series of vast regions, from the fertile and densely populated Coastal Plains in the southeast to the high plains and mountains in the west and northwest. Stretching inland from the Gulf Coast, the Coastal Plains, encompassing about two-fifths of the state’s land area, range from sea level to about 1,000 feet (300 metres) in elevation. These flat, low prairies extend inland to form a fertile crescent that is well adapted to farming and cattle raising. Near the coast much land is marshy, almost swamp, except where drained by man-made devices.
The Coastal Plains ends at the Balcones Escarpment, where tremors have occurred. Northwest of this fault, the land extends into the Texas Hill Country and into the tablelands of the Edwards Plateau to the south and the North Central Plains to the north. The entire region varies from about 750 to 2,500 feet (200 to 750 metres) above sea level, and farming and livestock raising constitute the basic economy. In Hill Country there are small industries and recreational areas.
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The North Plains subdivision, centred on Amarillo, depends on grain farming, ranching, oil, and small industries. The South Plains subdivision, with Lubbock as the principal city, has large underground water reservoirs that allow large-scale irrigated cotton farming.
At the western edge of the North Central Plains lies the Caprock Escarpment, an outcropping of rock that stretches to the north and south for about 200 miles (320 km). Beyond that escarpment lies the third largest region of Texas, the High Plains country, and to the south lies the Trans-Pecos region.
Oct 5, 2023 · Learn about the best time, places, and activities to explore the Lone Star State, from big cities to big parks. Discover its history, culture, food, music, and natural wonders in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Padre Islands National Seashore. Windswept dunes waving with coastal grasses set the scene on this barrier island that runs 182 kilometers along the Gulf of Mexico coast.
- San Antonio River Walk. This bustling walk lives up to its name, running so close to the gentle San Antonio River you feel you could step right into it.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This honey-colored ridge formed 250 million years ago and is actually a rare fossil reef. Explore its remote beauty through backcountry camping and hiking or get out your binoculars, as the birding is great here.
- The Alamo. Site of the famous battle of the Texas Revolution and the most visited landmark in Texas, the mission and its grounds are accessible through multiple tours, and interactive exhibits and history talks get guests up to speed on what “Remember the Alamo” means to Texans.
- Texas is more inclusive than it perhaps appears. The first question I'm always asked is about discrimination in Texas. Are racism, homophobia and sexism as rife as the state's reputation suggests?
- Cars are essential. Despite being the state with the largest railroad mileage in the US, and its three major cities of Dallas, Houston and Austin connected by upward of 30 flights a day, most visitors still need a car in Texas.
- Texas weather is extreme. From brutal summers – we’re talking 110°F (43°C), where it’s tough to leave the comfort of the air-con without swelling up or getting a heat rash – to sudden stinging, snowy winters, the weather in Texas can be extreme.
- Texans love cows and tequila. There's a reason barbecue takes center stage in Texas’ Culinary Hall of Fame: the state is famous for its cows. Fort Worth once had so much cattle that it earned itself the nickname ‘Cowtown’.
Jan 18, 2024 · Learn about the geography, counties, and major features of Texas, the second-largest U.S. state. Explore maps of its regions, rivers, lakes, and islands.
There’s something for everyone in Texas! From one-of-a-kind state parks and historical landmarks to some of the best music and food around, explore Texas culture, and find your niche.
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