Texas

U.S. state

For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation).

Seal of the State of Texas

Texas is a state in the United States located in the South Central region. It is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population. Texas shares borders with the states of Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the southwest, while the Gulf of Mexico is to the southeast.

Etymology

The name "Texas" is derived from the Caddo word "taysha", meaning "friends" or "allies". This reflects the state's motto: "Friendship".

History

Pre-Columbian and Spanish Texas

Depiction of early Native American life in Texas

Before the arrival of Europeans, Texas was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Apache, and Comanche. The first European to map the Texas coast was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519.

In 1685, the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle established a colony at Fort Saint Louis, but it was short-lived. The Spanish responded by establishing missions and presidios in the region to assert their claim.

Mexican Texas

Map of Texas in 1771

After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Texas became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The Mexican government encouraged settlement by Anglo-Americans, leading to a significant increase in the population.

Republic of Texas

Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas"

Tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government led to the Texas Revolution in 1835. The Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto were pivotal events in the revolution. On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, forming the Republic of Texas.

Surrender of Santa Anna after the Battle of San Jacinto

The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation until 1845, when it was annexed by the United States.

Statehood and Civil War

Texas was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. The annexation led to the Mexican-American War. During the American Civil War, Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America.

20th Century to Present

In the 20th century, Texas experienced significant economic growth, driven by the oil industry, agriculture, and technology. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom.

Geography

Texas is known for its diverse landscapes, which include deserts, prairies, forests, and coastline. The state is divided into several geographic regions, including the Great Plains, the Trans-Pecos, and the Piney Woods.

Demographics

Texas is one of the most populous states in the U.S., with a diverse population that includes large Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities. The state's largest cities include Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth.

Economy

The economy of Texas is one of the largest in the world, with major industries including energy, aerospace, biomedical sciences, and information technology. Texas is a leading producer of oil and natural gas.

Culture

Texas has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a Spanish colony, a Mexican state, and an independent republic. The state is known for its cowboy culture, Tex-Mex cuisine, and country music.

Related pages

• History of Texas
• Geography of Texas
• Economy of Texas
• Culture of Texas