Discover the Lone Star State: 10 Amazing Facts About Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and when you look at the history, culture, and geography of this incredible state, it is hard to argue otherwise. Texas is a land of vast contrasts, ranging from the piney woods of the east to the rugged deserts of the west, and from the coastal plains of the south to the high plains of the panhandle. It is a state defined by a spirit of independence, a rich history of cowboys and astronauts, and a culture that is distinctly its own.

Whether you are a native Texan looking to brush up on your state trivia or a curious traveler planning a virtual visit, there is always something new to learn about the Lone Star State. At ColorEveryState.com, we believe that learning about geography and history is best done when you can engage creatively with the subject. That is why we have compiled ten amazing facts about Texas to help you appreciate the intricate details found in our coloring collections.

1. The Meaning Behind the "Lone Star State"

Texas is famously known as the "Lone Star State," a nickname that pays homage to the single white star on its state flag. This star represents the state's former status as an independent republic. For nearly a decade, from 1836 to 1845, Texas was its own sovereign nation, the Republic of Texas, before it joined the United States. This spirit of independence is still very much alive today. The red, white, and blue of the Texas flag stand for bravery, purity, and loyalty, respectively.

2. Austin: The Live Music Capital of the World

While Austin is the state capital, it is perhaps even more famous for its cultural impact. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin boasts more live music venues per capita than any other city in the nation. But it is not just about the sound; the city is visually stunning as well. From the historic State Capitol building—which is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.—to the scenic views of Lady Bird Lake, the city offers a blend of government history and artistic flair. You can explore the architectural beauty of this unique city in our Austin Texas Travel & Landmarks: Adult Coloring Book, which captures the eclectic vibe of the capital.

3. Houston and the History of Space Exploration

"Houston, we have a problem." This famous phrase highlights the critical role Texas has played in space exploration. Houston is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, the hub of human spaceflight training, research, and flight control. It was from here that the Apollo missions were guided, landing the first humans on the moon. For those fascinated by the cosmos and engineering marvels, our Houston Space City & NASA History: Adult Coloring Book offers a chance to color your way through the history of space travel and the modern skyline of America's fourth-largest city.

4. The Alamo and San Antonio's Rich Heritage

No discussion of Texas is complete without mentioning the Alamo. Located in San Antonio, this former Franciscan mission was the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836. Today, it stands as a shrine to Texas liberty. San Antonio is also famous for its River Walk, a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, lined with shops and restaurants. The blend of Spanish colonial architecture and modern Texan culture makes for beautiful artistic inspiration, which you can find detailed in our San Antonio Landmarks & Culture: Adult Coloring Book.

5. The Metroplex: Dallas and Fort Worth

While they are neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth offer two very different experiences of Texas. Dallas is known for its modern skyline, high finance, and the striking Reunion Tower. It is a city that looks toward the future. On the other hand, Fort Worth embraces its history as the place "Where the West Begins." The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District features the world's only twice-daily cattle drive. Whether you prefer the urban sophistication found in the Dallas Texas Landmarks: Detailed Adult Coloring Book or the rustic charm of the Fort Worth Cityscapes & Western Heritage: Adult Coloring Book, the Metroplex covers all bases of Texan identity.

6. Texas is enormous in size

To understand the scale of Texas, you have to look at the numbers. It is the second-largest state in the U.S. by both area and population (right behind Alaska in size and California in people). Texas covers a whopping 268,596 square miles. To put that in perspective, Texas is larger than the entire country of France. If Texas were its own country today, it would be the 40th largest in the world.

7. The Six Flags Over Texas

The phrase "Six Flags over Texas" isn't just the name of a theme park; it refers to the six nations that have had sovereignty over some or all of the current territory of the state. These six nations are Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America. This complex history has created a melting pot of cultures, influencing everything from the state's architecture to its famous Tex-Mex cuisine.

8. Official State Symbols

Texas takes great pride in its state symbols. The state flower is the Bluebonnet, which carpets the highways and fields in vibrant blue every spring. The state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds. The state tree is the Pecan tree, which produces the nuts used in the famous Texas pecan pie. And, of course, the state large mammal is the Texas Longhorn, an iconic symbol of the Old West cattle drives.

9. A Ranching Legacy

Texas is synonymous with ranching. The King Ranch in South Texas is one of the largest ranches in the world, covering 825,000 acres. That is larger than the state of Rhode Island! The legacy of the cowboy is woven into the fabric of the state, from the rodeos that take place in nearly every town to the cattle trails that once moved millions of head of livestock north.

10. A Culinary Destination

Texas is a paradise for foodies. It is widely considered the barbecue capital of the world, specifically known for slow-smoked brisket. Additionally, Texas is the birthplace of Tex-Mex, a delicious fusion of American and Mexican cuisines that gave the world chili con carne, nachos, and fajitas. The diversity of food in cities like Houston—which is considered one of the most diverse cities in America—means you can find world-class cuisine from every corner of the globe within the state lines.

Color Your Way Through Texas

Reading about Texas is fascinating, but visualizing its beauty is an experience all its own. At ColorEveryState.com, we have curated a specific series of coloring books that allow you to tour the Lone Star State from the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to focus on the modern architecture of Dallas or the historic missions of San Antonio, we have a collection for you:

* Austin Texas Travel & Landmarks: Adult Coloring Book: Perfect for music lovers and fans of eclectic cityscapes.

* Fort Worth Cityscapes & Western Heritage: Adult Coloring Book: Ideal for those who love the rustic aesthetic of the American West.

* Dallas Texas Landmarks: Detailed Adult Coloring Book: Great for fans of modern architecture and intricate skylines.

* San Antonio Landmarks & Culture: Adult Coloring Book: A beautiful journey through history and Spanish colonial design.

* Houston Space City & NASA History: Adult Coloring Book: For the dreamer who wants to color the stars and the shuttles that reached them.

We invite you to grab your colored pencils, choose your favorite Texas destination, and bring these black-and-white outlines to vibrant life. It is a wonderful way to relax, de-stress, and learn a little more about the great state of Texas.