Texas became the 28th state in 1845 and is the 2nd largest state by population with about 28.7 million residents. It is also the 2nd largest state by land and water area with a total area of 268,581 square miles. Texas is home to four of the fifteen largest cities in the nation. They are: Houston at 2.2 million, San Antonio at 1.3 million, Dallas at 1.2 million and the state's capital city, Austin, with a population of approximately 750,000 people.
Texas or "Tejas" was the Spanish pronunciation of a Caddo Indian word sometimes translated to mean "friends" or "allies."
Included below are more facts and symbols, a state map, the state song and views of the Texas State Quarter.
Texas State Capital - Austin
State Nickname - The Lone Star State
State Motto - "Friendship"
State Flower - Bluebonnet
State Tree - Pecan
State Plant - Prickly Pear Cactus
State Bird - Mockingbird
State Fish - Guadalupe Bass
State Insect - Monarch Butterfly
State Small Mammal - Armadillo
State Large Mammal - Longhorn
State Flying Mammal - Mexican Free-tailed Bat
State Amphibian - Texas Toad
State Dog - Blue Lacy
State Horse - American Quarter Horse
State Dinosaur - Paluxysaurus Jonesi
State Gemstone - Texas Blue Topaz
State Precious Metal - Silver
State Rock or Stone - Petrified Palmwood
State Shell - Lightning Whelk
State Grass - Sideoats Grama
State Fiber and Fabric - Cotton
State Ship - U.S.S. Texas
State Railroad - Texas State Railroad
State Vehicle - Chuck Wagon
State Sport - Rodeo
State Musical Instrument - Guitar
State Folk Dance - Square Dance
State Dish - Chili
State Nut - Pecan
State Snack - Tortilla Chips and Salsa
State Fruit - Texas Red Grapefruit
State Vegetable - Sweet Onion
Official State Web Site - texas.gov
(Click or tap for a larger view)
Texas, Our Texas
By William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright
Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev'ry test;
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.
(Refrain)
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, Thro'out the ages long.
Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.
(Refrain)
Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.
(Refrain)
United States Mint 50 State Quarters© Program coin:
(United States Mint Images)
US State Facts © MCGWDD