State of Texas

State of Texas
Name	Texas
Motto	Friendship
Anthem	"Texas, Our Texas"
Capital	Austin
Largest city	Houston
Largest metro	Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
Admission date	December 29, 1845 (28th)
Governor	Greg Abbott
Lieutenant governor	Dan Patrick
Legislature	Texas Legislature
Senators	John Cornyn (R), Ted Cruz (R)
Total area sq mi	268,596
Population est	30,029,572
Population est year	2022
Official lang	None (English and Spanish are de facto)
Traditional abbr	Tex.
Postal abbr	TX

State of Texas. The second-largest U.S. state by both area and population, it is located in the South Central region and is renowned for its distinctive history and cultural identity. Once an independent nation, it joined the United States in 1845 and is a major economic and political force. Its diverse landscape ranges from coastal swamps and piney woods to arid deserts and sprawling metropolitan centers.

History

The region was inhabited for millennia by numerous Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Comanche, and Apache. Spanish explorers, such as Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, first claimed the area for New Spain in the 16th century, establishing missions like the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo). After the Mexican War of Independence, it became part of Mexico, leading to an influx of Anglo-American settlers. Tensions culminated in the Texas Revolution, featuring the pivotal Battle of the Alamo and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, after which the Republic of Texas was founded under President Sam Houston. Annexation by the United States triggered the Mexican–American War. Its secession and joining the Confederate States of America led to involvement in the American Civil War, followed by the turbulent era of Reconstruction. The 20th century was defined by economic booms from the Spindletop oil discovery, the growth of the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, and the political rise of figures like President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Geography

Spanning 268,596 square miles, it features a highly varied topography and climate. It shares an international border with the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, and borders the U.S. states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Major geographic regions include the pine forests of East Texas, the coastal plains along the Gulf of Mexico, the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, the arid Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas, and the high plains of the Llano Estacado. Significant river systems include the Rio Grande, the Red River of the South, and the Brazos River. Notable natural features include Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore.

Demographics

With a population exceeding 30 million, it is one of the fastest-growing states, driven by both domestic migration and international immigration. Major population centers include the metropolitan areas of Houston, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, San Antonio, and Austin. It has a diverse ethnic composition, with significant Hispanic or Latino (notably of Mexican descent), White, and Black communities, as well as growing populations of Asian and Indian residents. This diversity is reflected in cities like El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. Religious affiliation is varied, with strong influences from the Southern Baptist Convention, the Roman Catholic Church, and non-denominational Evangelicalism.

Economy

It possesses one of the world's largest economies, comparable to many nations. Historically dominated by cattle ranching and cotton, the economy was transformed by the discovery of petroleum, with major oil companies like ExxonMobil headquartered in Irving. It remains a global energy leader, also expanding into wind power and solar power. Other key sectors include aerospace and aviation, centered around American Airlines and Lockheed Martin, advanced manufacturing, technology (with hubs in Austin and Dallas), and biotechnology. It is a top exporter and home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, including AT&T, Dell Technologies, and Tesla.

Government and politics

Its government operates under the Texas Constitution and is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The current governor is Republican Greg Abbott, with Dan Patrick serving as lieutenant governor. The bicameral Texas Legislature consists of the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives, which meets in the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The judiciary is headed by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Politically, it has been dominated by the Republican Party since the late 20th century, though urban areas like Travis County often favor the Democratic Party. Notable political figures include former President George W. Bush, former Secretary of State James Baker, and current U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Culture

Its culture is a unique blend of Southern, Southwestern, and Mexican influences, often celebrated for its independent spirit. Iconic elements include country music artists like Willie Nelson and George Strait, the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans of the NFL, and the Texas Rangers of MLB. Cuisine is globally recognized for Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex dishes, and chili con carne. The state hosts major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. It has a vibrant arts scene, with institutions such as the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The phrase "Remember the Alamo!" remains a lasting cultural symbol.

Category:Texas Category:States of the United States Category:1845 establishments in the United States