Geography and Climate of Texas
With a surface area of over 260,000 square feet, Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. The Lone Star State borders Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.
Texas straddles multiple terrains and timelines. The northern part of the state connects to the Great Plains. The western portion of the state forms a link to the American Southwest and eastern Texas links up with the American South. Texas has four major geographical regions: The Basin and Range Province, the Gulf Coastal Plains, the Interior Lowlands and the Great Plains.
Much like the landscape, the climate varies considerably across the state of Texas. Eastern Texas features a humid, subtropical climate. The climate in the northwest portion of the state is semi-arid. This dryness is across the northern steppe and the Texas Panhandle.
The southwestern part of the state has almost desert-like climate conditions. The Panhandle experiences cooler temperatures in the winter months and thunderstorms are frequent occurrences in the eastern and northern areas of the state.
History of Texas
At one point or another, the area known as Texas has hoisted flags from Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the stars and stripes of the USA. Before Europeans began colonizing the area, Texas was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Comanche, Apache, Wichita and Karankawa people.
Spanish conquistadors claimed Texas for New Spain in the first half of the 16th Century. Spain did not have extensive settlements in the area, so in 1685, La Salle arrived and established a French colony that lasted a few short years. Spain responded by constructing multiple missions in East Texas.
Clashes with native populations persisted as the Spanish tried to Christianize the local population. By the late 1700s, Spain ceded its control of Texas to the French. After the Louisiana Purchase made the northern part of the state an American possession, the borders of Texas were disputed once more. After the Mexican War of Independence, most of Texas became part of Mexico.
As Anglo American settlers began to establish settlements in the region, disagreement arose with the Mexican government. In 1836, Sam Houston led a force of Texans against Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. The Republic of Texas was born. It lasted about a decade, and Texas was admitted to the Union in the waning days of 1845. Texas succeeded from the Union in 1861, and it was readmitted in 1870, five years after General Lee surrendered.
Demographics of Texas
According to 2006 estimates, Texas has a population of 23,507,783. That figure makes Texas the second-most populated state in the U.S. The three most populated cities in the state are Houston, San Antonio and Dallas -- each one of these cities has a population that exceeds one million.
There are 25 metropolitan areas scattered throughout the state. Texas is a melting pot of cultures that has attracted generations of immigrants from all over the world.
Read more Texas QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Economy of Texas
In the early 20th Century, the discovery of oil in the state propelled Texas into a new era of industrial expansion and economic development. The "Oil Boom" propelled the state's economy to new heights. The state was producing about three million barrels of oil a day when oil production peaked in 1972. Texas also developed extensive agricultural, cattle, mining, machinery, chemical, aerospace and electronics industries.
Based on 2006 figures, Texas has a gross state product of $1.09 trillion. After passing New York, Texas is now has the second largest economy in the U.S. (California is number one). Texas is the number one state when it comes to export revenues. In 2006, the state totaled over $150 billion in exports.
Texas Law and Government
Texas has a bicameral state legislature, including 150 members in the house of representatives and a 31-member senate. Republican Governor Rick Perry has held his post since 2000, when George W. Bush left his governor post to run for president. Texas has 32 U.S. Congressional districts, the second most behind California. The majority of the representatives from Texas are republicans, and both U.S. Senators are republicans.
Texas has more counties than any other state in the country -- 254 to be exact. Cities and counties can form inter-local agreements to pool resources and share governing responsibilities. Texas does not have consolidated city-county governments like other states in the U.S.
Texas Transportation
Texas has a massive network of highways. In 2005, there were over 79,535 miles of highways lining the state. In order to accommodate an ever-growing population, the highway system is constantly expanding to incorporate high-occupancy vehicle lanes and carpool ramps.
The state features numerous airports. The Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport is the largest in the state. It is the main hub for all American Airlines flights. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is the second-largest airport in Texas. This airport is the headquarters for Continental Airlines. International airports are also in San Antonio, El Paso, Brownsville/South Padre Island and Harlingen. Mass transit systems are available in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Brownsville.
Find out more at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Major Cities and Towns of Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth is the most populated metropolitan area in Texas. This metroplex spans 12 counties, and is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Founded in 1841, Dallas is home to a thriving economy, steady growth and development and one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Uptown Dallas is a public improvement district (PID), located in the Oak Lawn area.
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the U.S. Founded in the late 1830s, Houston has developed into a thriving cosmopolitan city. The Port of Houston is the largest commercial port in the country. A center for international trade, research institutes, Fortune 500 companies and multicultural diversity, Houston is one the most unique cities in the entire U.S.
San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the U.S., and the second largest city in the state of Texas. Home to the Alamo, the River Walk and a storied past, San Antonio is the fourth fastest-growing city in the country. A popular tourist destination, San Antonio brims with historic attractions, beautiful architecture, amazing music and a celebratory outlook on life.
Austin is a liberal pocket nestled within a conservative state. The state capital is home to the University of Texas. The city prides itself on being "The Live Music Capital of the World," a bastion for the arts and one the most green-friendly places in the entire country. The abundance of tech companies in the area spawned the nickname "Silicon Hills." If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, frequent festivals and progressive values, Austin is quite an attractive destination.
Texas Educational System
The State of Texas has over 1,000 school districts. The school districts in Texas have the power to tax local residence and use eminent domain. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) manages the public school system. The TEA does not have any control over the many private schools found in the state.
Discover more at the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Texas is home to more than 100 colleges and universities. The University of Texas, Texas A&M and the University of Houston are the largest postsecondary educational centers in the state. Baylor University, established in 1845, is the oldest university in Texas. Texas is also home to Rice University, one of the premier research and teaching institutions in the country.
Texas Sports Teams and Recreation Activities
Texas is the spiritual center of American football. High school football in Texas has an intense following, and college football is another big draw. Texas was the last state to be granted an NFL franchise (the Houston Texans), and it’s home to "America's team," the Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys will be opening up a new billion-dollar stadium in Arlington in 2008. The new stadium will host Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
There are two Major League Baseball teams in Texas -- the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. President and former Texas Governor George W. Bush was once a co-owner of the Texas Rangers franchise.
Texas has three NBA teams -- the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. Each one of these franchises has reached the NBA Finals, and two of these teams (the Rockets and Spurs) have won NBA championships.
From golf to auto racing, lacrosse and soccer, Texans have a palatable fondness for sports and recreation. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the sports.
Texas Real Estate Communities and Featured Properties
Heritage Canyon Ranch in Sanderson, Texas
Texas Informative Articles
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