TEXAS
GEORGESCU MIRUNA
VUTA ALEXANDRA
LOCATION
Texas is the most populous and the
biggest state in the South Central
region of the United States.
Texas is located in the south-central
part of the country; it features a 560
km (350 mi) long coastline. Texas
borders Louisiana to the east,
Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma
to the north, New Mexico to the west,
and the Mexican states of Chihuahua,
Coahuila, Nuevo León, and
Tamaulipas to the south and
southwest.
TEXAS AIRPORT
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
owned and operated by the City of Austin,
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is
one of the fastest-growing airports in the
United States.
Austin airport ranked 28th out of 30 best
midsized airports nationally.
AUS is modernizing! In response to
record-breaking growth, the airport is
embarking on a series of long-term and
near-term improvements, new facilities
and expansion projects to serve
generations of Austin and Central Texas
travelers to come all while driving
economic prosperity in our region.
CAPITAL CITY
Located in Central Texas on the eastern
edge of the American
Southwest, Austin is the capital of the
state of Texas, the Lone Star State.
The city dates back to the 1830s, when
the first Anglo-American settlers arrived
in the area, then part of Mexico. In
1837, settlers founded the village of
Waterloo on the banks of the Colorado
River, the first permanent settlement in
the area. By 1839, Waterloo would
adopt the name Austin and the frontier
town would become the capital of the
Republic of Texas. The City is named for
Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.”
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TEXAS
History: People first came to the area that is
now Texas at least 16,700 years ago.
Thousands of years later Native American
tribes, including the Akokisa, Karankawa,
Mogollon, and Comanche, lived on the land.
Texas became an independent nation called the
Republic of Texas in 1836. But fending off
hostile tribes and Mexican troops was difficult for
a small country, and Texas joined the United
States in 1845. In 1861 Texas left the Union and
rejoined after the Civil War ended in 1870.
FAST FACTS
Nickname: The Lone Star State
Statehood: 1845; 28th state
Capital: Austin
Biggest city: Houston
Abbreviation: TX
State bird: Mockingbird
State flower: Bluebonnet
State large animal: Texas longhorn
State quarter: has the value of $0.25
PLACES TO VISIT IN TEXAS
Big Bend National Park is a geological marvel evidenced in
sea fossils and dinosaur bones to volcanic dikes that mar the
desert landscape. It's a world of species diversity from the
meandering river corridor that sidles across the desert floor to
the sky island ridge tops that reach for the stars. It's a place
where you can still hear the whispers of pioneers, ranchers,
miners, and Native Americans. And it's a land of borders—a
place where countries and cultures meet.
In the 1930s, many people who loved the Big Bend country
saw that it was a land of unique contrast and beauty that was
worth preserving for future generations. In 1933, the Texas
Legislature passed legislation to establish Texas Canyons
State Park. Later that year, the park was redesignated Big
Bend State Park. In 1935, the United States Congress
passed legislation that would enable the acquisition of the
land for a national park.[18] The State of Texas deeded the
land that it had acquired to the federal government, and on
June 12, 1944, Big Bend National Park became a reality. The
park opened to visitors on July 1, 1944.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
George W. Bush
Selena Gomez
Jamie Foxx
Beyoncé
Jim Parsons
ABSURD LAWS
Sit on a sidewalk and you may be fined.
Sniffing glue is illegal.
Wire cutters cannot be carried in your pocket.
Texas attempts to control the weather.
Buying or selling human organs is illegal.
Don't eat your neighbor's garbage.
Marriage via proclamation.
Permit Required to Walk Barefoot.
Permit for Getting Drunk.
Taking more than three sips of beer while standing up.
You Can’t Milk Another Person’s Cow.
You Must Warn Your Victims 24 Hours in Advance.
You Can’t Shoot a Buffalo From the Second Floor of a Hotel.
TEXAS TRADITIONS
Texas life is a unique one filled with diverse cultures and
quirky traditions. Whether it’s how they prepare their food
or the language they use, here are some wonderful Texas
traditions that only make sense to Texans.
Sweet tea, please
Texas tea is always sweetened! Rest assured that you can
find sweet and unsweetened tea at every gas station, fast
food spot, or restaurant. Why? Because Texans like things
a little sweet and it doesn’t taste the same when you add
your own sugar packet.
Waiting in line for barbecue, even if it runs out
Visitors to Texas are always surprised to see long lines that
wrap around restaurant buildings and ask, “Why would
anyone wait that long for food?” Because it’s barbecue. In
Texas, eating barbecue often requires going through a food
line (like a cafeteria setting). It’s absolutely worth the wait
for Texas barbecue, even if there is a possibility that it
might run out before you get to the front of the line. Some
even come prepared with fold out chairs for especially long
waits.
Asking for a Coke when you really want a Sprite
It’s not a pop or a soda, or a soda pop. It’s a Coke. In
Texas, all soft drinks are called “Coke.” So, if someone
asks if you want a Coke, the person isn’t asking you if you
want an actual Coca-Cola. They’ll generally follow the
question with “What kind?” Yes, it’s a bit quirky — but
that’s what makes Texas cool.
Saying hello to strangers on the street
Texas hospitality isn’t just something reserved for visitors;
it’s a way of life in Texas. You’ll often see people nod their
head or wave their hand to other drivers. It’s generally
expected that you say hello to people whose paths you
cross on the street. Your grocery store attendant or lobby
receptionist genuinely wants to know how your day is and
it’s not uncommon to start a conversation with someone
you don’t know. That’s just how Texas is, so enjoy the
kindness and human interaction. It’s good for the soul.
Tamales during Christmas
Texas is made up of vibrant cultures, but none more so
than the Mexican culture. Tamales, made of masa and
meat or veggies wrapped in a corn husk, are a Texas food
favorite.
TEXAS, OUR TEXAS
QUERCUS FUSIFORMIS
The "Big Tree", near the town of Rockport, Texas, is one of
the most famous live oaks in the world after being named
"Texas State Champion Virginia Live Oak" (Quercus
virginiana) in 1969.
