Texas — The Lone Star State — How Texas Got its Name | TXU Energy Why Is Texas Called the Lone Star State? Choose TXU Energy for simple, straightforward savings on electricity. View Plans TXU Energy is proud to have our roots in Texas — the "Lone Star State." But do you know why and how Texas came to be called by that name? Theories abound as to the exact story, but the tale always begins south of the border. Way back when, Texas was a province of Mexico. The land that would one day become the current state of Texas encompassed two different areas and was called Coahuila y Tejas. It's thought that the original flag for this land bore two gold stars in the middle of the red, green and white stripes of the Mexican flag. From 1835 to 1836, Texas fought to gain independence from Mexico, and the resulting victory meant a new flag for the newly independent Republic of Texas — the lone star, clearly labeled, "Texas" made its first appearance. This flag, and subsequent variations of it, all featured a lone star, representing defiance, pride and — most importantly — independence.

Texas joined the Union on December 29, 1845, as the 28th state. Although no longer citizens of a freestanding Republic, Texans still pride themselves on their rugged individualism and independent spirit. On January 4, 1889 a Senate committee paid $10 to Austin artist Peter Krag to create a color drawing of a new red, white and blue flag for Texas — its lone star, of course, and Krag's drawing became the prototype of the same flag that still represents Texas today. As you might expect, the people who are happy to make their homes in Texas still have that "Lone Star State" spirit. In fact, Texas was among the first states in the U.S. to implement energy deregulation, paving the way for most Texans to be able to choose their electricity provider. And year after year ever since, Texans overwhelmingly have made TXU Energy the #1 choice for electricity in Texas. We offer a variety of plans designed to fit different needs, and we're here to help you find a plan that's right for you. TXU Energy Plans & Rates Pick a plan with free hours, or maybe one with cash back rewards. We’ve got a plan for you.

State Nicknames South Dakota - Wyoming Texas A single star was part of the Long Expedition (1819), Austin Colony (1821) and several flags of the early Republic of Texas. Some say that the star represented the wish of many Texans to achieve statehood in the United States. Others say it originally represented Texas as the lone state of Mexico which was attempting to uphold its rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. At least one "lone star" flag was flown during the Battle of Concepcion and the Siege of Bexar (1835). Joanna Troutman's flag with a single blue star was raised over Velasco on January 8, 1836. Another flag with a single star was raised at the Alamo (1836) according to a journal entry by David Crockett. One carried by General Sam Houston's Texian army (which defeated Mexican General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto ) may have been captured and taken to Mexico. Another "lone star" flag, similar to the current one but with the red stripe above the white, was also captured the following year (1837) and returned to Mexico. The "David G.

Burnet" flag, of "an azure ground" (blue background) "with a large golden star central" was adopted by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in December of 1836. It continued in use as a battle flag after being superseded in January of 1839. The 1839 design has been used to symbolize the Republic and the Lone Star State ever since. source: Utah Beehive State The beehive became the official state emblem on March 4, 1959. Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance. The beehive was chosen as the emblem for the provisional State of Deseret in 1848 and was maintained on the seal of the State of Utah when Utah became a state in 1896. Vermont Green Mountain State Verd Mont was a name given to the Green Mountains in October, 176l, by the Rev. Dr. Peters, the first clergyman who paid a visit to the 30,000 settlers in that country, in the presence of Col.

Taplin, Col. Willes, Col. Peters, Judge Peters and many others, who were proprietors of a large number of townships in that colony. The ceremony was performed on the top of a rock standing on a high mountain, then named Mount Pisgah because it provided to the company a clear sight of lake Champlain at the west, and of Connecticut river at the east, and overlooked all the trees and hills in the vast wilderness at the north and south. Virginia Old Dominion State Charles II of England quartered the arms of Virginia on his shield in 1663, thus adding Virginia to his dominions of France, Ireland and Scotland. Called the Mother State because it was the first state to be colonized. source: State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols by Benjamin F. Shearer, Barbara S. Shearer Washington On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union. It is the only state named for a president. Washington was nicknamed The Evergreen State by C.T. Conover, pioneer Seattle realtor and historian, for its abundant evergreen forests.

The nickname was adopted by the Legislature in February, 1893. Sponsored by credit to: Mike Workman The judiciary of the state consists of the Supreme Court, with nine members elected to six year terms, nine members of the State Court of Criminal Appeals elected to six year terms, and the Courts of Appeals with 80 judges elected to serve six year terms. In addition, 386 State District Courts judges are elected to four year terms. The Texas court system also includes 10 Criminal District Courts, 174 County Courts at Law, 434 County Courts, 884 Justice of the Peace Courts, and 853 Municipal Courts. THE SHAPE OF THE STATE When Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, the land grab was on and Texans quickly claimed territory for their new republic. from the headwaters of the Rio Grande in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the western boundary stretched north to the 42nd parallel in Wyoming and followed the Rio Grande south through New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico. the Sabine River set the eastern boundary.

The northern border meandered along the red River tot the 100 degree meridian, then extended into present day Kansas. From there, the Arkansas River set the boundary into central Colorado. A long arm of territory reached into Wyoming. When Texas joined the Union in 1845, the vast territory of the republic was mostly unsettled and was considered public land. The state did not turn over ownership of those public lands to the federal government upon joining the Union. Instead, the classic, if peculiar, shape of Texas known today was determined as part of the Compromise of 1850. For a $10 million price tag, Texas sold 98,300 square miles of that public land to the United States. The land included parts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. In February 1845, Texas approved the resolution to enter the Union. Part of that resolution, which came to be known as the Constitution of 1845, stated that Texas would retain its right to divide into four states in addition to the original Texas. Although most Texans can't imagine splitting up the Lone Star State, the legal right to do so still remains!

SETTLING TEXAS When Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked along the Texas coast in 1528, he and three surviving shipmates became the first Spaniards to explore the territory that would become Texas. Cabeza de Vaca and his companions lived among the Native Americans for eight years before returning home to what is now Mexico.. They took with them tales of cities of gold that caused great excitement. In 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado set off with an army to find the fabled cities of gold. Coronado searched all the way to present day Kansas without ever finding the wealth described by Cabeza de Vaca. In 1682, Frenchman Rene Robert Cavlier, Sieur de La Salle, followed the Mississippi River to its mouth and claimed all of the country that was drained by the great river for France. he called the area Louisiana, which included the territory of Texas. IN 1685, La Salle established a crude stockade, Fort St. Louis, on the Texas cost.

But in 1690 Spaniard Alonso de Leon discovered that Native Americans had destroyed the fort and La Salle had been assassinated by one of his own men in 1687. The French flag flew over Texas for only five years, from 1685 until 1690, before the land once again became the property of Spain. With the threat of the French removed, the Spanish immediately began establishing missions in East and central Texas. Along the San Antonio River, five missions still stand as testament to the Spanish heritage of Texas. financed by the Spanish government and directed by Franciscan friars between 1680 and 1773, the missions were civil as well as spiritual centers. Each mission was designed as a self-contained village, with a fortified wall surrounding a central plaza. The Alamo is the most famous of the missions. but the Mission San Jose is the state's largest restored mission. Mission Concepcion, established in 1731, remains virtually untouched by any restoration, and original, slightly faded frescoes adorn the walls. Between Mission Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano, a water system considered one of the oldest in the United States still carries water.

More than 30 missions were established by the Spanish in Texas. In 1803, when France sold Louisiana to the United States, and Texas found itself on the border of New Spain (present day Mexico) and the United States. The Spanish intended to colonize the territory with loyal subjects and keep out the land hungry Americans. but in 1821, Spain gave Stephen F. Austin permission to bring American families into the territory. That small crack in the border would lead to the Anglo-American settlement of Texas. Austin's colonists began arriving in 1823, only to find that Mexico had won its independence from Spain.. The Territory was now the Mexican state of Coahuila-Texas. BECOMING A REPUBLIC The colonization of Texas as a Mexican state brought Anglos westward from the United States and Mexicans northward. Differences in language and culture led to tension. Most Mexicans were Catholic and most Anglos were Protestant. The Americans felt ties to the United States, not Mexico. Trade grew between Texas and the United States, alarming Mexico. In 1830, the Mexican Congress passed a law that stopped American immigration into Texas. it initiated custom collections as the government tried to stay in control.

Dissatisfaction spread among the settlers, and in 1832, skirmishes broke out that signaled the coming revolution. War broke out in Gonzales on October 2, 1835, when Mexican troops attempted to confiscate a cannon from Texas settlers. Waving a banner that read, "Come And Take It," the Texans defeated the Mexicans. The Texas Revolution lasted from that October until the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Santa Anna surrounded the Alamo on February 23, 1836. He finally attacked n March 6. All of Texas' 187 men died in the battle, including David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Travis. Toribio Losoya, a 27 year old who was born at the Alamo compound, was one of eight native born Mexicans who fought on the side of Texas. The four corners of the church crumbled, and Santa Anna burned the interior. Yet the church's front limestone wall survived with its delicate carvings intact. Over the arched doorway of the Alamo, the keystone still bears the carving of the royal seal of the Spanish Crown.

On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston and his Texas forces defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the Texas Revolution's decisive battle and lasted a short 18 minutes. Houston attacked the Mexicans during the afternoon while Santa Anna, the Mexican president, was taking his siesta. When the smoke cleared, Santa Anna was nowhere in sight, and Houston dispatched patrols to find the Mexican general. While on patrol, James Sylvester spotted a group of deer grazing in the grass. The Kentucky sharpshooter leveled his gun, but a movement nearby spooked the animals. When Sylvester went to investigate, a Mexican in a dirty hat bolted from the grass only to fall flat on his face in front of his captors. As the patrol rode back into camp with their catch, Mexican prisoners began shouting, "El Presidente!" James Sylvester had captured Santa Anna. Officials dedicated the San Jacinto Monument on April 21, 1939, to commemorate the battle that finally declared Texas independent from Mexico. The tower of the monument rises 570 feet, taller than either the Washington Monument of the Statue of Liberty.

The 35 foot high star atop the tower is faced with three inch thick Texas Cordova shell limestone. SAM HOUSTON Sam Houston served two terms as a Tennessee congressman and was elected governor in 1827. Resigning from office after the dissolution of his marriage, he lived with the Cherokee in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) for six years. By 1835, Houston had moved to Texas where he served his adopted home for three decades. He was a military commander, a two-term president of the republic, and a US. senator after annexation. Like any person in public life, Houston had enemies. None was quite as irritating as Mirabeau B. Lamar - a man he disagreed with on almost every issue. Houston advocated Native American rights'; Lamar worked to eradicate entire native populations. Houston wanted to avoid the Civil War; Lamar favored secession. The political rivalry between the two ---never a secret --became glaringly apparent at Lamar's inauguration as president of the Republic of Texas in December 1838. The crowd expected a brief, dignified introduction of the new president. Instead, Houston came dressed in "George Washington" attire, complete with nee britches and white wig.

He then began a three hour speech. When Houston finally stepped down, Lamar was too exhausted to deliver his inaugural address. His private secretary read it to the inattentive audience. TEXAS FLAGS During its history, Texas has had eight changes of sovereignty, and six flags have flown over the state. The Lone Star symbol has flown above many historic events. When fighting began in Gonzales in October 1835, the star was outlined on a white banner above a cannon barrel and the daring words "Come And Take It. The challenge referred to a small, brass cannon that Mexico had issued to Texans for defense against Native Americans. Mexico wanted the cannon that Mexico had issued to Texans for defense against Native Americans. Mexico wanted the cannon returned and it wanted the upstart Texans to submit to governmental rule. In December 1835, Texans fought at San Antonio de Bexar under a flag sewn by Sarah Dodson, who made the banner for her husband and his fighting compatriots. A long, tricolor banner of red, white, and blue displayed the familiar five-point star on the blue field.

At the Battle of Goliad in December 1835, volunteers from Georgia arrived waving a white silk flag stitched by Joanna Troutman, an 18 year old Georgian who had never been to Texas. Her flag featured a blue, five point star with the words "LIBERTY OR DEATH" inscribed beneath the star. On February 13, 1913, the Texas Legislature named her the "Betsy Ross of Texas" for her Lone Star flag. In May 1836, the "Lorenzo de Zaval flag" was adopted as the banner for the fledgling Republic of Texas. It featured a blue background with a centered white star circled by the letters T-E-X-A-S. Later that same year, on December 10, the Republic opted for a different flag. The "David G. Burnet flag" also featured a blue background, but with a gold, five-point star in the center. Neither flag gained support from the citizens. finally, on January 25, 1839, the Third Congress of the Republic officially accepted a flag designed by Dr. Charles Stewart. That Lone Star flag of the Republic still waves today over the Lone Star State.

At the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, Mexican forces captured a Lone Star flag. since then, the banner has been displayed at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The cotton "Alamo Flag" is trimmed in gold and embroidered with an eagle. In its beak, the eagle holds a banner that reads "God and Liberty." Texans, in turn, captured three Mexican flags when they defeated General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. the Mexican banners were preserved in storage in Austin. The North American Free Trade Agreement has prompted officials in both countries to exchange these flags. As of August 1994, discussions were ongoing and may lead to a trade of the banners.

State Stone - Petrified palmwood, adopted in 1969 State Gem - Texas blue topaz, adopted in 1969 State Grass - Sideoats grama, adopted in 1971 State Dish - Chili, adopted in 1977 State Fish - Guadalupe bass, adopted in 1989 State Folk Dance - Square dance, adopted in 1991 State Fruit - Texas red grapefruit, adopted in 1993 State Seashell - Lightning whelk, adopted in 1987 State Song - Texas, Our Texas , adopted in 1929 Unofficial State Song - They Eyes of Texas are Upon You". TEXAS OUR TEXAS Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State! Texas, our Texas! So wonderful, so great! Boldest and grandest, withstanding every test; O empire wide and glorious you stand supremely blest. (Chorus) 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. (Chorus) Texas, dear Texas!

From tyrant grip now free. Shines forth n splendor your star of destiny! Mother of Heroes! We come your children true. Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you. (Chorus) Chorus: God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong. That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long. THE HISTORY OF CAPITALS AND CAPITOLS When 27 year old Stephen F. Austin inherited a land grant from his father, Moses, he quite by accident began his journey to becoming the "father of Texas." Austin worked for more than a year I Mexico to secure the right to colonize Texas territory then belonging to the Mexican government. His determination was rewarded, and San Felipe de Austin at Atascosito Crossing on the Brazos River was established as the seat of government for the colonists. So began the Anglo-American settlement of Texas. During 1823 and 1824, land titles were given to families settling in the area. Those original Texas colonist became known as "The Old 300." Families engaged in faring received a labor of land, or about 177 acres.

Those raising livestock were given a league of land, about 4,428 acres. Austin laid claim to about 22 leagues. He died on December 27, 1836, only eight months after Texas won its independence from Mexico. Although San Felipe de Austin is known as the first capital of Texas, Washington on the Brazos is considered the birthplace of the Republic of Texas. Located just 150 miles east of San Antonio de Bexar in March 1836, the tiny town was ill prepared to serve the representatives who arrived to draft the Declaration of Independence. The town began in 1822 as a ferry crossing on the Brazos River. When the delegates arrived, the place barely offered the necessities of life, much less any luxuries . William Fairfax Gray looked on as events unfolded and described the town as having "only one well defined street" and "about a dozen wretched cabins or shanties." A single tavern offered meager lodging that consisted of a single room with two fireplaces. With only one choice available, the delegates did not have the option to shop around for cheap hotels or try to find hotel deals that accommodated their higher standard of living.

During their 17 day stay in the capital, the delegates endured the same menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ---beans, cornbread, and fried pork. When delegates hastily departed Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 17, 1836, the Alamo had fallen and Mexican forces were only a few days march away. To escape capture by Santa Anna and other Mexican generals, the government relocated temporarily at Harrisburg, and then Galveston Island. After the republic's victory at San Jacinto, President Burnet moved the capital to Velasco. There, on May 14, 1836, Santa Anna signed two treaties that ended the Texas Revolution. But the search for a permanent capital didn't end. In October 1836, the seat of government moved to Columbia, where Texas' only legitimate newspaper, the Telegraph and Texas Register, was published. Sam Houston took over as president that same month. In April 1837, the capital moved once again - this time to his namesake town of Houston on Buffalo Bayou. At the time, the town was little more than a muddy tract of land with two saloons, a few log cabins , and tents.

A two-story, unfinished building housed the government. In October 1839, with Mirabeau B. Lamar as president, the government chose as a capital a town more centrally located n the republic's territory. The community of Waterloo, settled by four families on the north bank of the Colorado River, was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, and became the permanent capital of the republic. Furniture and archives of the government were moved from Houston by 50 covered wagons in the fall of 1839. The capital issue appeared to be settled in 1839. But when Sam Houston assumed the presidency of the republic again in 1841, he attempted to move the government's headquarters from Austin back to Houston. He secretly ordered the republic's official records removed from Austin. The attempted late-night record theft was thwarted when Mrs. Angelina Eberly fired a cannon and alerted Austin citizens to the shenanigans. A party of Austin residents retrieved the records, and the seat of government was saved in Austin.

The historical farce has became known as the "Archive War." When Texas needed a new capitol building in 1882, the state was cash-poor and land-rich. So the legislature accepted bids from anyone willing to construct the building in exchange for 3 million acres of Panhandle land. A syndicate of four Chicago businessmen got the bid, the 3 million acres, and an extra 50,000 acres for surveying the West Texas soil. The deal created the 3,050,000 acre XIT Ranch - a 30 mile wide piece of land stretching 200 miles along the Texas-New Mexico border through 10 counties. The cattle herd averaged about 150,000 head. The ranch lasted until 1912 when the last cow was sold. Crops such as wheat and cotton made the property more valuable as farmland and the XIT ranch was sold off piece by piece for about $2.50 per acre. The State Capitol that stands today on an Austin hilltop opened on May 16, 1888, amid a week of celebration. The building, designed by Michigan architect Elijah E.

Myers, resembles the National Capitol, with a similar dome and separate wings for the state Senate and House. There is one notable exception to the similarities. The Texas Capitol is about 7 feet higher than the National Capitol. It is the tallest capitol in the United States today, rising 309 feet 8 inches from the basement floor to the top of the Goddess of Liberty statue. The distinctive pink granite used for the exterior walls wasn't the first choice of state officials or the building contractors. Originally, the plan called for decorative limestone walls to be erected on a base of granite stones brought from Granite Mountain near Burnet. But in March 1884, when the first load of native limestone arrived, building superintendent R. L. Walker rejected the entire 60 ton shipment. Walker found traces of iron pyrites, or fool's gold , in the limestone. When exposed to the atmosphere, iron pyrites rusted, streaked, and marred the light limestone. Since Governor John Ireland insisted that native building materials be used in the Capitol's construction, native pink granite was substituted for the limestone.

Residents of Austin were happy with the choice when they got their first look at the granite cornerstone during an unveiling on March 2, 1885. The massive granite statehouse was officially transferred to the citizens of Texas on December 8, 188. At the time, it was the largest state Capital Building in the nation. In 1989, Texas began a six year project to restore the Capitol to its original beauty. Costing $192 million, the statehouse was given an interior and exterior face lift for the first time. The land office and the oldest state office building were also restored, and a new 165,000 square foot underground building was built just north of the Capitol. THE STRONG ARM OF THE LAW After the Texas Revolution, bandits roamed the Mexican border, Native Americans controlled the Western Plains, and desperadoes hid out in the countryside. To stem the lawlessness, the Texas government turned to the Texas Rangers, a unique group of lawmen established by Stephen F Austin in 1826. Men such as "Big Foot " Wallace, John Coffee Hays, and Samuel H. Walker tracked down outlaws, settled feuds, and reconciled land disputes.

In 1846, Ranger Walker and Samuel Colt modified the Colt revolver into the Walker Colt, a six shooter specially adapted for the range. Ranger Jim R. Hughes wore a badge for 28 years between 1887 and 1915, but lived on in legend as the fictional hero in the novel The Lone Star Ranger, penned by Zane Grey. ranger Captain Bill McDonald earned a reputation as "the man who would charge hell with a bucket of water." In 1935, the Rangers became a branch of the Texas Department of Public Safety and today the organization still works for law and order in the state. Texas - U.S. States - HISTORY.com Bird: Mockingbird Interesting Facts During Texas’ war for independence from Mexico, a group of 200 volunteers who were defending the fort and former Franciscan mission known as the Alamo near San Antonio was attacked by a much larger force of Mexican troops. The siege, which had begun on February 23, 1836, lasted for 13 days before the Mexican forces broke through the courtyard and annihilated most of the Texans, including famed frontiersman and former congressman from Tennessee, Davy Crockett.

On September 8, 1900, a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 130 miles per hour pummeled Galveston, Texas, killing more than 8,000 people and destroying the once-thriving city. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. While traveling through Dallas in an open convertible on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald. Two hours later, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president of the United States aboard Air Force One while stationed at Dallas Love Field airport. The Johnson Space Center in Houston, originally established as the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) in 1961, is the site of Mission Control for all flights into space. On July 20, 1969, its flight controllers oversaw the Apollo 11 flight that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon and returned the astronauts safely home. Referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome in Houston was the world’s first domed stadium when it was opened in 1965.

Drawing crowds for sporting events, concerts, rodeos and entertainment, the Astrodome was last used in 2005 as a shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Texas is the leading crude oil- and natural gas-producing state in the U.S. In 2011, it also produced more cattle, sheep, hay, cotton and wool than any other state. The name Texas derives from a Caddo Indian word that means “friends” or “allies,” which was incorporated into the state motto: Friendship. Tags The State of Texas - An Introduction from NETSTATE.COM The State of Texas Texas State Capitol Building, Austin Texas, the Lone Star State, is a giant of a state. And Texans are known for their large, welcoming hearts. "Friendship" is the state's motto , and the people of Texas live by that motto. Texas is a state of superlatives. It leads the nation in total productivity . It is the leading oil producer in the nation. More beef is produced in Texas than in any other state. It is still the nation's largest cotton producer . Texas is a giant in the space industry, and is a major player in high technology.

Fittingly, Texas also boasts the largest (gross square feet) of all the state capitol buildings, constructed of 15,000 carloads of pink granite. Bluebonnets & Indian Paintbrushes And no state has a greater variety of reptiles, or a more diverse selection of flowers, than the great state of Texas. Among them the Horned Lizard (toad), the official state reptile and Bluebonnets, the official state flower . Find out more about these and other Texas symbols on NETSTATE's state symbol page . THE STATE QUARTER: United States Mint Image The Texas quarter is the third quarter of 2004, and the 28th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted into the Union. The quarter's reverse design incorporates an outline of the State with a star superimposed on the outline and the inscription, "The Lone Star State." The lariat encircling the design is symbolic of the cattle and cowboy history of Texas, as well as the frontier spirit that tamed the land.

Texas comes from the Indian word "tejas," meaning friends or allies, and appropriately Texas's motto is "Friendship." Probably the two most recognized symbols of Texas are its unique shape and the lone star that is represented on the State flag. The Texas flag design was approved in 1839 to symbolize the Republic of Texas and was adopted as the State flag in 1845. The simple design of a lone star and three bold stripes of red, white and blue represent bravery, purity and loyalty, respectively. Texas is the only state to have had six different flags fly over its land -- Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America and the United States of America. On August 14, 2000, Governor George W. Bush appointed the 15-member Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee. The Committee authorized the Texas Numismatic Association to conduct a statewide design contest on its behalf. Nearly 2,600 candidate design concepts were submitted in response to a statewide contest. From those design concepts, 17 finalists were selected by the Texas Numismatic Association and presented to the Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee for review.

The Committee further narrowed the submissions to the five designs that were most representative and emblematic of the State. Governor Rick Perry submitted the preferred design of the outline of Texas beneath the Lone Star and encircled by a lariat, which was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on August 26, 2003. For more about the state commemorative quarters, visit this page . This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters. Sources... . The United States Mint. 2004. 09 July 2004 < Carpenter, Allan & Provorse, Carl. . Mahwah, N.J.: World Almanac Books (An Imprint of K-III Reference Corporation, A K-III Communications Company), 1996. Shankle, George Earlie. . Irvine, Calif.: Reprint Services Corp, Revised edition, 1971. Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. . Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001. Additional Information Texas (World Almanac Library of the States) , by Rachel Barenblat. 48 pages.

Gareth Stevens Publishing (January 1, 2002) Reading level: Grades 4-6. Filled with the most up-to-date information, including the latest Census results. Full-color photos bring to life the story of Texas. In addition to an in-depth factual profile of Texas in the form of a state Almanac, this book offers fascinating and lively discussions of the state's history, people, geography, government, economy, culture, and lifestyles. A section on Notable People, a calendar of events, and enough primary source documents, time lines, maps, and other tools to make this unquestionably the best young adult reference material on the USA available anywhere. pronunciation guide to town and county names a two-year astronomical calendar With 295 color maps and 342 color photographs from every corner of the Lone Star State, the reader can take a trip across Texas from the comfort of one's own home. For the traveler, the myriad maps show the way to towns of all sizes, as well as to landmarks, lakes, rivers, parks and back roads.

The Almanac's Counties section is one of the book's most popular, and the detailed county maps are continually updated when highways are made double-lane, towns are incorporated or un-incorporated, new highway loops are built, Farm-to-Market road designations are dropped, state parks are opened or closed, and changes are made in city limits and annexations. Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans , by T.R. Fehrenbach. 792 pages. Publisher: Da Capo Press (April 4, 2000) Here is an up-to-the-moment history of the Lone Star State, together with an insider's look at the people, politics, and events that have shaped Texas from the beginning right up to our days. Never before has the story been told with more vitality and immediacy. Fehrenbach re-creates the Texas saga from prehistory to the Spanish and French invasions to the heyday of the cotton and cattle empires. He dramatically describes the emergence of Texas as a republic, the vote for secession before the Civil War, and the state's readmission to the Union after the War.

In the twentieth century oil would emerge as an important economic resource and social change would come. But Texas would remain unmistakably Texas, because Texans "have been made different by the crucible of history; they think and act in different ways, according to the history that shaped their hearts and minds." The Lone Star Republic [ushistory.org] 29a. The Lone Star Republic Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville, TX Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas At the time Spain granted independence to Mexico in 1821, the land now comprising the state of Texas was very sparsely populated. The Mexican government actually encouraged the settlement of the area by American pioneers. In 1823, Stephen Austin led 300 American families onto land granted to his father by the Mexican government. A prosperous province was greatly in the interest of Mexico, so no alarm was raised. Mexico was also interested in creating a buffer zone between the Mexican heartland and the Comanche tribe. There were, however, strings attached. The American settlers were expected to become Mexican. All immigrants from the United States were by law forced to become Catholic. When the Mexican government outlawed slavery in 1829, it expected the Texans to follow suit.

None of the conditions were met, and a great cultural war was underway. Today the Alamo is also known as the "Shrine of Texas Liberty." In the hopes of easing tensions, Stephen Austin journeyed to Mexico City in 1833. But Mexico's dictator, Santa Anna, was not the negotiating type. Austin was simply thrown in jail. Although he was released after 18 months, relations between the Texans and the Mexicans deteriorated. Finally in 1835, war broke out between Santa Anna's troops and a ragtag group of Texan revolutionaries. On March 2, 1836, representatives from Texas formally declared their independence. Four days later, Santa Anna completed an infamous siege on the Alamo mission. Despite a 13-day holdout, the 187 Texans were crushed by Santa Anna's forces, which numbered 5000 strong. The deaths of commander William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett angered Americans as cries of "Remember the Alamo!" rang throughout the land. Americans flocked to Texas, and, led by commander Sam Houston, defeated Santa Anna's forces.

On May 14, 1836, Santa Anna grudgingly recognized Texan independence. On March 1, 1836, while the Battle of the Alamo raged miles away, 59 men signed Texas's Declaration of Independence. Texan-Americans were not the only ones fighting for independence. The Tejano people, Spanish-speaking settlers of Texas, also supported the Texas Revolution. They had hoped for greater control over their local affairs. They fought side-by-side with Houston's troops against Santa Anna's soldiers. After the war, there was quite a bit of disillusionment. The Americans who swarmed into Texas did not distinguish between Tejanos and Mexicans. In the decade that followed, the Tejanos found themselves shut out of the new Texas government as well. Most Texan-Americans wanted to be annexed by the United States. They feared that the Mexican government might soon try to recapture their land. Many had originally come from the American south and had great interest in becoming a southern state. President Andrew Jackson saw trouble. Many Whigs and Abolitionists in the North refused to admit another slave state to the Union.

Rather than risk tearing the nation apart over this controversial issue, Jackson did not pursue annexation. The Lone Star flag flew proudly over the Lone Star Republic for nine years. Texas was an independent country. Texas Travel Articles | Tour Texas Shopping Cart Texas Travel Articles Looking to spend some time in the Lone Star State? Check out our in-depth Texas travel articles about the Lone Star State's unique places and events, including everything from quirky museums to iconic landmarks. Read one of our expertly written articles and get your next Texas adventure started today. Unique Museum Remembers the Medics Who Rescued U.S. Soldiers I'm in the San Antonio area this week and, with Memorial Day approaching, I thought I'd finally pay a visit to a place that's been on my list for awhile: the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at the Fort Sam Houston Army Base. A Berry Fun Event: the Pasadena Strawberry Festival Pasadena was once known as the "Strawberry Capital of the South." The strawberries grown here were known for their size and sweetness and were shipped all over the country.

Pasadena may have since relinquished its title, but since 1974 residents here have been paying tribute to their beloved fruit with a Texas-sized event that’s sure to satisfy the entire family. Sam Houston: a Giant Among Men Y'all don’t have to be from Texas to know that Sam Houston was a key figure in the history of this iconic state. The fact that one of our biggest metro areas is named after him is a clue that he did something significant. VIVA FIESTA San Antonio! The Biggest Celebration in Texas The whole city of San Antonio is getting ready for a huge party. They're sweeping the streets, grooming the horses, tuning instruments, reviewing plans, ordering up the food - all those things you'd need to do when your city puts on one of the biggest parties in the U.S. It's Fiesta® San Antonio! Animals Gone Wild! at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco As my readers know, I am the kind of guy who really enjoys the great outdoors and nature. Lucky for me, I live in Texas -- a state that is teeming with a wide variety of landscapes, terrains and wildlife to experience and enjoy.

The Most Romantic City in TX Helps Guys Channel their Inner Gentleman Guys, if y'all are anything like me, it wouldn't kill you to get a little help in the romance department. And the style department. And etiquette and culture, too. In fact, when it comes to things I could use help in, the list is not a short one. Which Texas City was Named the Most Romantic? You May Be Surprised A stroll along the moonlit River Walk under a canopy of cypress trees, a glass of wine at a waterside table, the serenade of a mariachi band, the beautiful 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture -- it's all the perfect backdrop for an amorous getaway with the one you love. A Room With a View: Glass Bathrooms in Sulphur Springs About 90 minutes northeast of Dallas, you'll find the small town of Sulphur Springs. It's an active community with a bustling downtown area, lots of fun events and music festivals, great shopping and dining, and fantastic fishing and boating on Cooper Lake.

Go Nuts at Royalty Pecan Farms in Caldwell, TX It's the day before Thanksgiving and in my house, the cooking and baking has already begun in preparation for the big feast. Many of my family's favorite holiday recipes will be requiring the services of that versatile and tasty nut - the pecan! Get Thee to the Texas Renaissance Fest! I put if off last year and the year before that, but sometimes, when you write a travel blog, you have to go places and do things you'd really rather skip. This year, I decided I was going to suck it up and just go already! And that's how I ended up wearing a fluffy white shirt and leather sash at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas in Texas Everyone knows that when March rolls around, thousands of college students from across the nation will flock to the coasts for a week of the three b’s: beaches, bikinis, and beer. But while college students have a week off from their studies, so do the kiddos, and families begin an attempt to plan a fun vacation without the chaos of college kids.

A Valentine's Day Idea That Would Make Cupid Proud It’s that time of year again when Cupid makes his annual debut, rose bushes are chopped bare of their blooms and pink Hallmark cards are bought by the masses. But what if there was a simple way to show your affection and enhance that cheesy Hallmark card that just doesn’t quite do justice to the love you share? Houston Segway Tours: Your Segue to a Really Cool Experience! Have you ever wanted to explore a new city but didn’t know where to start? Well (aside from visiting Tourtexas.com to obtain all the best travel suggestions) if you are visiting Houston, they have a new and innovative way of exploring all the sites and history of downtown without taking a step! How is this possible, you ask? One word: Segways! Texas State Symbols Texas State Symbols These are officially Texas. Flag: Lone Star Flag Instantly recognizable, the Lone Star Flag was originally designed by Texas Constitutional Convention delegate Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart and was adopted by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1839.

Austin artist Peter Krag was paid a fee of $10 (about $200 in current dollars) to make an architectural rendering of Stewart's original freehand flag design. Like the United States flag, the red, white, and blue colors in the Lone Star flag stand for courage (red), purity and liberty (white), and loyalty (blue). Share Known around the world as the symbol of Texas. Seal: Great Seal of the State of Texas In 1839, at the same time as it adopted the Lone Star Flag, the Congress of the Republic of Texas adopted a national seal with a Lone Star surrounded by a wreath of an olive branch and a live oak branch. Peter Krag, who made the rendering of the Lone Star flag, made a rendering of this design as well. The seal of the Republic was modified in 1846 to become the Texas state seal.

In 1991, the 72nd Legislature clarified the design of the reverse side of the seal which now features a five-pointed star, the Battle of Gonzales cannon, Vince's Bridge, the Alamo, the six flags that have flown over Texas, and the mottoes "Remember the Alamo" and "Texas One and Indivisible." Share A seal for the nation and the state. Flower: Bluebonnet Edging out suggestions for the cotton boll and the prickly pear cactus, the native bluebonnet (Lupinus subcarnosis) was named the state flower in 1901. A debate went on for years, however, as to which species of bluebonnet was the most beautiful and appropriate to represent the Lone Star state.

In 1971, the Legislature issued a concurrent resolution that cleared up the matter: "RESOLVED… that the Lupinus texensis and any other variety of bluebonnet not heretofore recorded be recognized along with the Lupinus subcarnosis as the official state flower of the State of Texas." Its appearance from late March through early April signals to Texans that spring is here and that the long, hot summer is just around the corner. Since the 1930s, this beloved symbol of springtime has been planted along Texas highways. And although it is not illegal to pick a bluebonnet, it is illegal to tresspass on private property to collect one or to take your annual Texas springtime shapshot. Share Beautiful in all varieties and colors. Large Mammal: Texas Longhorn The Texas longhorn is a hybrid of Spanish and English cattle and is known for its extremely long horns, tough hooves, and general hardiness. It became a symbol of the Texas cattle drives in the 1860s and 1870s.

After the end of the open range, longhorns were almost bred out of existence, but were saved by breeders in the 1920s for exhibit in Texas state parks. Soon after, ranchers rediscovered the tough and well-adapted cattle and they have been a mainstay of Texas ranching operations ever since. The longhorn became the large mammal symbol of Texas in 1995. Other official mammal state symbols include the armadillo (designated in 1927) and the Mexican free-tailed bat (1995). Share Texas on the hoof. Sport: Rodeo The Texas rodeo has its roots in the Spanish cattle culture of the 1700s. As the cattle industry grew and flourished, Mexican vaqueros and their successors, the American cowboys, began to stage competitions to test their riding and roping skills. By the late 1800s, rodeos were commonplace in Texas, especially at Fourth of July festivities. Wild West shows, such as those staged by "Buffalo Bill" Cody, popularized the sport around the country. Rodeo became a formally organized sport under a permanent governing body in 1936.

Many Texas cowboys and cowgirls remain dominant forces in the sport today. Share The all-American rodeo with a Spanish heritage. Dish: Chili Con Carne Chili con carne (chili with meat) was a trail stew that cowboys made with dried beef and dried chilies. Today, chili con carne is usually made with fresh chuck roast or ground beef with a mix of chilies. Recipes are often family traditions and closely guarded secrets. The chili may be served with garnishes such as cilantro, green onions, or cheese, along with warm tortillas. Chili con carne was designated the state dish in 1977. Today, chili cook-offs are a state pastime. Debates rage about the most authentic way to prepare Texas chili con carne, but one rule is absolute—no beans! Share Texas chili means no beans! Insect: Monarch Butterfly Texas is home to more butterfly species than any other state—at least 400. The monarch butterfly was designated the state insect in 1995. The most recognizable butterfly in North America, the monarch flies through Texas every spring and fall on its epic migration to wintering grounds in Mexico.

At times, the butterflies fill the Texas sky and gather on the trees by the hundreds or thousands. As wild habitat becomes scarcer, many Texans plant butterfly gardens to attract and provide shelter for the beautiful insects. Share A migrating marvel. Reptile: Horned Lizard Most Texans call the state reptile a horny toad, but it is actually a horned lizard. Named the state reptile in 1993, the small spiny creatures are renowned for their tough-guy appearance and startling defense strategies, which include squirting blood from their eyes and puffing up their bodies to twice the normal size. Once commonplace in every part of the state except the East Texas piney woods, horned lizards are now a threatened species due to habitat loss, over-collection as pets and curios, and the invasion of non-native fire ants from South America. Share Not a toad or a frog, but a lizard. Tree: Pecan Tree Before he died in 1906, former governor James Stephen Hogg requested that a pecan tree mark his grave. As a result, the native tree rose in popularity. It was declared the state tree in 1919.

Widespread in the wild and popular as a yard tree, the pecan is native to Texas and produces the state's only commercially grown nut. Millions of pounds of the soft-shelled, sweet-meat nuts are harvested annually for use in pies, candy, and other treats. Share The source of delicious pecan pies. Plant: Prickly Pear Cactus More than 100 species of the abundant wild cactus grow in Texas, the most of any state. This multi-purpose cactus became the state plant in 1995. Ranchers burn the spines from the pads (called nopalitos) and use them for cattle feed. Grilled, boiled, and chopped nopalitos are used in Tex-Mex cuisine. The juicy, red, prickly pear fruits are often made into jams and jellies, pies, and wine. Since it is a native cactus and can tolerate drought, prickly pear cacti are regular features of Texas xeriscaping. Share

Question: What U.S. state is known as the Lone Star state?
Answer: Texas