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Information on Texas
The huge state of Texas is the second largest state in the United States and is home to over sixteen million cattle and several massive cities. It has often been said that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and visitors who have explored the state tend to agree.
Set between the Red River boundary just north of Panhandle and the gulf coast in the south are breathtaking lakes, majestic mountains, vast plains, the desert and enchanting beaches. In Texas' large cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio it is possible to swop the bright lights for a day at the ranch at the drop of a cowboy hat, or soak up culture at a world-class art gallery before taking a stroll through a scenic park. Outside the urban enclaves Texas has 23-million acres of woodlands, including four national forests and 125 state parks, from the great pine forests of the south and east to the rugged mountains of the west.
Texas and oil have been connected for many years, but the state is also home to many lush wine-growing regions, the musical haven of Austin and is a leader in high-tech production. The state is also situated at the heart of a gourmet movement with some of the nation's finest restaurants within its borders.
The Texas plains were once haunted by battles for land between the European settlers and the Native American tribes, like the Apaches and Comanche's. The Spanish put in an appearance in 1519 but only began settlements in 1690. In the ensuing centuries Texas became a conglomeration of settlements of various immigrant groups, becoming an independent republic for 10 years with its characteristic Lone Star flag, before acquiring statehood in 1845.
