Texas - The Lone Star State

Texas Bluebonnets

Texas Bluebonnets

Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S. by both area and population. Located in the South-Central region, Texas is known for its wide open spaces, diverse culture, and booming cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. The state’s history includes Spanish colonization, the Republic of Texas, and key roles in the Civil War and modern American industry.

Texas offers an incredible range of landscapes—from deserts and pine forests to coastal beaches and rolling plains. The state’s economy thrives on energy, agriculture, aerospace, and technology, and it's a leader in oil production. Texas also boasts a proud musical, culinary, and sports heritage. Whether you’re exploring the Alamo, enjoying barbecue, or listening to country music, Texas welcomes visitors with bold flavor and unmatched pride.

Texas Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Statehood December 29, 1845 (28th state)
  • Texas was once an independent nation known as the Republic of Texas (1836–1845).
  • The state has its own power grid separate from the rest of the U.S.
  • Six different nations have ruled over Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States.
  • Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas, in 1885.
  • The Texas State Fair in Dallas is one of the largest in the country.
  • Texas is the leading U.S. producer of oil, cattle, cotton, and wind power.
  • The Johnson Space Center in Houston is home to NASA's Mission Control.
  • Big Bend National Park and the Hill Country offer stunning natural beauty.
  • Texas has more farms and ranches than any other state.
  • Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World."
  • Texas is so big, you could fit the entire country of France inside it — and still have room left over!
  • The world’s largest cowboy boots (35 feet tall!) are on display in San Antonio.
  • In Texas, it’s illegal to milk someone else’s cow — seriously!
  • A single ranch in Texas (King Ranch) is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island!
  • Texas has a town named "Earth" — and yes, it's the only one on the planet!
Capital Austin
Largest City Houston
Nickname The Lone Star State
State Bird Northern Mockingbird
State Flower Bluebonnet
State Tree Pecan Tree
Region South Central
Bordering States New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
Geography Plains, deserts, hills, forests, Gulf Coast shoreline
Major Industries Oil & gas, agriculture, aerospace, technology, manufacturing

Our Content
Texas Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Texas Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Texas maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Texas map.

Texas History

History of Texas

Texas has a rich history marked by its time as part of Spain and Mexico before declaring independence in 1836 to become the Republic of Texas. It joined the United States in 1845, leading to the Mexican-American War and shaping the nation's southwestern borders.
Sam Houston

Famous People from Texas

Texas is home to many famous figures, including Sam Houston, a hero of the Texas Revolution and the first president of the Republic of Texas. Another influential Texan is Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, who championed civil rights and launched the Great Society programs.
Comprehension

Texas Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Texas Symbols

Fun Texas Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Texas-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Texas' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Texas and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Texas, or Not Texas, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.