Texas is the second-biggest state in the United States, both in terms of area and population. Home to cities such as Houston and Dallas, Texas has a lot of history and culture. Texas is known as the “Lone Star State,” because it used to be its own republic.
However, have you ever wondered how the state is perceived by the rest of the world? What aspects is the state associated with? Find out the answers here.
What Is The State Known For?
1. Cowboy Culture
When some people hear the word “Texas”, they will automatically think of cowboys and cowgirls. Traditionally, cowboys and cowgirls are known for wearing Stetson hats and wearing boots. They are depicted as riding horses through dusty fields.
Though Texas is known for its cowboy culture, you will rarely see any actual cowboys or cowgirls. Despite this, the Stetson hats are still quite popularly worn. The association between cowboys and Texas likely originates from the cattle drives that used to occur there.
Interestingly, one of the leading American football teams in Texas is called the Dallas Cowboys.
2. NASA
Founded in 1958, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has a space station in Houston. Named after the US president Lyndon B Johnson, the Johnson Space Center has been in Houston since 1961.
However, it only got this name in 1973. Did you know that it used to be called the Manned Spacecraft Center?
The Space Center has an important role. In fact, much of the astronaut training takes place here. The Space Center Houston is open to the public, displaying loads of interesting information about NASA missions.
If you are looking for a fun day to spend with your family, this Smithsonian Affiliate museum will be a great opportunity. Part of the reason why many people associate Texas with Nasa is because of the iconic line in the 1995 film Apollo.
3. Tex-Mex Food
Representing the merging of two cultures, Tex-Mex food is inspired by the cuisines of Texas and Mexico. Though this food is eaten throughout the United States and in Mexico, it is especially popular in Texas.
There are a lot of ingredients that are found in several Tex-Mex dishes, such as cheese, pepper, tortillas, and beans. The foods also tend to have an element of spice.
Fajitas, tacos, and burritos are regularly consumed in Tex-Mex cuisine. If you are a fan of spicy food, we encourage you to give Tex-Mex a try.
4. Oil
Another big part of Texan culture is oil. After the first oil well was discovered in 1901, Texas experienced an oil boom. At the start of the twentieth century, Texas rapidly became one of the most prolific oil-producing states.
Oil refineries are still popular in Texas today. The state owes a lot of its economic success to oil. Many big oil companies are situated in Texas. This is why many people still associate Texas with oil.
5. The Alamo
If you are interested in history, you may already be familiar with the events that occurred at the Alamo. An important battle occurred here in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. During the battle, the Mexican forces sadly killed all of the Texan soldiers, such as Davy Crockett.
Though this battle was a tragic loss for the Texans, it inspired many people to join the army. Consequently, the Texan army was able to beat the Mexicans in April 1836. As a result, the Texans won the revolution.
Nowadays, the defenders of the Alamo are celebrated in Texas.
6. JFK’s Assassination
Though this may seem a little dark, Texas is still synonymous with JFK’s assassination. On the 22nd of November 1963, US President John F. Kennedy was tragically killed. This occurred in Dallas, Texas. While JFK and his wife were visiting the state, the president was shot dead.
If this was not enough to forge a connection between JFK’s assassination and Texas, the mystery and conspiacies surrounding the perpetrator have only strengthened this link.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas is dedicated to telling the story of JFK’S life and death. It also covers the life of Lee Harvey Oswald, who is believed to have killed the president.
7. Rodeos
As we mentioned earlier, cowboy culture is deeply ingrained in Texas. This can be seen through their rodeos, which are contests that revolve around horse-based sports. These events are still held in Texas. They tend to be held annually.
8. Barbeques
Aside from Tex-Mex, the food that Texas is most known for is barbeque. Barbeque food can be served at a number of different events, including weddings and birthdays. Popular barbeque food in Texas includes sausages, brisket, and chicken.
These meats are normally served alongside some delicious side dishes, such as coleslaw. If you want to immerse yourself in Texan culture, a barbeque is perhaps the most delectable route you can go down.
9. Country Music
Texas is renowned for its country singers, such as Willie Nelson. Country music can be heard throughout this state. From bars to radios, you are sure to hear the folksy lyrics of country music.
10. San Jacinto Monument
If you are looking for a historical monument to visit, you can go to this San Jacinto column. This historical monument marks the Texan victory over Mexico during the Texas Revolution. After this battle, Texas was temporarily an independent country.
Positioned near Houston, it is well worth visiting this monument if you happen to be in the area. If you want to have an impressive view, check out the observation deck. Fun fact, it is the tallest masonry column in the world!
11. Warm Weather
The rest of the world is likely envious of the hot weather in Texas. The state tends to experience warm and humid summers. Meanwhile, the winter months tend to be quite short and mild, though the state can experience some harsher winters.
12. Its Flag
The flag of Texas represents its moniker as the Lone Star State. It features a single white star with rectangles colored blue, red, and white.
The blue flag is vertical and contains the white star, while the red and white stripes are horizontal. Interestingly, these colors are also used in the flag of the United States. This flag is iconic throughout the world and is a frequent sight in Texas.
13. The Accent
Stereotypically, Texans are known for their strong accent. Though the rest of the world may exaggerate this accent, you cannot deny that it is distinctive. For instance, a lot of Texans drop the “g” sound at the end of words.
14. Famous Texans
Texas has birthed many celebrities, including:
- Matthew McConaughey
- Selina Gomez
- Debbie Reynolds
- Jaime Foxx
- Beyonce
- Jim Parsons
- Jennifer Garner
Though all of these celebrities were born in Texas, many left at different stages of their lives. Regardless, they are still connected with the state. Interestingly, Jim Parsons’ character in The Big Bang Theory, named Sheldon Cooper, is also associated with Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Is Texas?
As the second-biggest state in the USA, Texas is 268,596 square miles. It also has the second-largest population, which is approximately 29 million people. As you can see, Texas is massive.
Is Texas A Good Place To Live?
Yes, many people enjoy living in this state. This may be why its population is so abundant. If you like the sound of the food and the culture, you will likely enjoy living in Texas.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from this list, Texas has a rich history and culture that is known throughout the world. From NASA to country music, Texas has certainly made a deep impression on the world.
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