Welcome to a page full of Texas Facts. When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the land that is now Texas was part of Mexico in the 1830's, and for a time, it was an independent republic.

After the Civil War, cattle ranching became important in Texas. In 1901, a great oil gusher was discovered, and soon oil was found all over the state. Drilling for oil remains a major business in Texas, although cattle ranching is still very important. The largest cattle ranch in the country, which is about as big as the state of Rhode Island, is in Texas. Texans also grow cotton, wheat, and fruits.

Texas is the third most populous state and the second largest state. Because it is so big, it includes different types of land, from coastal plains in the east to the Great Plains in the northwest to mountains west of the Pecos River. In the east and along the coast, there are mild winters and hot, humid summers. In the west, the winters are colder, and it is very dry.

Texas: From tejas , Indian word meaning "friends."

Sobriquet: The Lone Star State

Capital: Austin - Dedicated in 1888, the traditional pink granite structure is the nations largest state house.

State Flag: Current flag adopted by the Republic in 1839.

Area: 262,015 square miles

Population: 17,059,805 (1990 Census Data)

Statehood: December 29, 1845 (28th state admitted)

Principal Rivers: Pecos River, Red River, and the Rio Grande

Motto: Friendship

Song: "Texas, our Texas"

State Flower: Bluebonnet - Many varieties of this native lupine blanket hillsides and valleys each spring.

State Bird: Mockingbird - Officially recognized by the Legislature in 1927.

State Tree: The Pecan - Officially adopted in 1919.

State Shell: Lightning Whelk - Adopted by the Legislature in 1987.

State Grass: Sideoats grama - A nutritious native species favored by wildlife as well as livestock.

State Gem: Texas Blue Topaz - Adopted by the Legislature in 1969.

State Fish: Guadalupe bass - Strictly a Texas species. Adopted by the Legislature in 1989.

State Dish: Chili - A fiery stew brewed with Texas pride. Adopted by the Legislature in 1977.

State Stone: Petrified Palmwood - Adopted by the Legislature in 1969.

Mountains: Rugged, lofty ranges rise dramatically in far West Texas. More then 90 peaks are above a mile high.

Forests: Mainly in East Texas, some 23.4 million acres of forest and woodland, including four national forests.

Seashore: 624 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Major islands include Padre Island National Seashore.

Parks: Some 114 state parks and two national parks offer scenic, historical and recreational opportunities.

Hunting and Fishing: Native and exotic wildlife, waterfowl and game birds; salt and freshwater fishing. Licenses required.

Climate: Year-round sunshine, with mild winters. Annual average temperature in lower Rio Grande Valley, 73 degrees.

Petroleum: More than one-third of nation's oil production. Texas natural gas serves three-fourths of the U.S.

Inland Water: A total of 5,175 square miles of lakes and streams....surpassed only by Alaska.

State Highways: Traverse more than 76,000 miles... with more than 1,000 rest areas and scenic turnouts.

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