Texas Information
Located in the central south of the United States Texas is the largest of the ‘Lower 48’ states and is bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, with the Mexican border and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Known as the ‘Lone Star State’ Texas ranks second only to Alaska in overall area, and its the second most populous state trailing California. As a result of this abundance of space, everything in this landmark state is super-sized - from cattle ranches to cars and hotels, and even down to the character and hospitality of the locals. Texas is huge in every aspect.
Spanish explorers initially mapped the Texas coastline in 1519, and in 1685 the first French colonists arrived. Subsequently, the Spanish, French and Mexicans all laid claim to the region but Texas finally won its independence from Mexican rule in 1836, the year made famous by the battle of the Alamo. Texas was incorporated in December 1845 becoming the 28th state of the Union and consisted of a diverse mix of European, Hispanic and local cultures. From early on cattle and sheep farming were the mainstays of the Texan economy and then, in 1910, oil was discovered and a massive new industry was created overnight. Texas is now the US’s biggest producer of oil and still maintains a substantial trade in cattle and sheep farming. High tech industries also constitute a large part of the Texas economy with computing and aeronautics companies being amongst the largest, thus encouraging a highly skilled and educated workforce to settle in the state.
There is a seemingly endless list of things for the tourist to see and do in Texas, from enjoying the vast natural wonders, to discovering the state’s rich history, to the excitement of a football or baseball game. The capital city of Austin is famous for its love of music and outdoor entertainment and is situated in central Texas. Houston which is about 3 hours drive to the east is the largest city in the state (and 4th largest city in the US) and is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The world renowned Dallas, home of the Dallas Cowboys football team, is about 3 hours drive north and was made famous by the TV series of the same name. Its a city that’s as bold as brass, as quiet as a bomb blast and about as subtle as a bull in a china shop and certainly should not be missed.
For an escape to nature Big Bend National Park located in the southwest of the state and bounded by the Rio Grande to the south offers glorious desert canyons in a stark landscape. Further north you can take a horseback ride through Guadalupe National Park and camp in the shadow of El Capitan. Why not stay at one of the half dozen dude ranches scattered throughout the state and experience the true cowboy lifestyle of old, or visit historic San Antonio where the battle of the Alamo took place.
Texas also has its fair share of theme parks and amusement centres including Sea World, Six Flags and Wonderland Park. You’ll find historical museums in every town and city, as well as art galleries displaying everything from fine art to the truly outrageous.
Austin InformationIn 1839, five mounted scouts searched a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital..
Dallas InformationDallas - a city as bold as brass, and as subtle as a skyrocket is one of Texas' most recognizable..
Houston InformationTexas' largest city is Houston. A name that conjures up images of oil wells, cowboy boots and..
Fort Worth InformationOn June 16, 1849, Brevet Major Ripley Arnold set up Camp Worth on the banks of the Trinity River..
San Antonio InformationIn 1718, at an Indian village along the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Spain established..
Arlington InformationFirst settlement in Caddo Indian territory was Bird's Fort on Trinity River; in 1845, a trading..
El Paso InformationGrew from earlier settlements dating back to the Juan de Oñate expedition in 1598 and a..
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