State of Texas
Nicknames: The Lone Star State
Motto(s): Friendship
Date of Statehood: December 29, 1845 (28th state)
State Song: “Texas, Our Texas”
Texas Flag History
The flag of Texas, known as the Lone Star Flag, was adopted on January 25, 1839, and is one of the most recognizable state flags in the U.S. The flag’s prominent single star symbolizes Texas’s struggle for independence and its status as an independent republic before joining the United States. The blue stands for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery.
This flag, with its single star, has been a symbol of the state’s unity and its independent spirit. The simplicity of the design, coupled with the powerful symbolism of the lone star, makes it a significant emblem of Texas pride.
The flag has remained unchanged since its adoption, signifying the enduring spirit and unity of Texas. The Lone Star serves as a reminder of the state’s struggle for independence and represents the unity of all Texans.
Texas Quick Facts
Capital City: Austin
Abbreviation: TX
Population: Approximately 29 million
Region: South Central
Origin of State Name: From the Caddo word “taysha,” meaning “friends” or “allies”
Sports Teams: Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Houston Texans (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), Houston Astros (MLB), San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Houston Rockets (NBA)
Bordering States: Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico
Area Codes: 210, 214, 254, among others
Highest Point: Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet (2,667 meters)
Lowest Point: Gulf of Mexico at sea level
Geography of Texas
Area: 268,596 square miles (695,662 square kilometers), 2nd largest
Land: 261,232 square miles (676,587 square kilometers), 2nd largest
Water: 7,365 square miles (19,075 square kilometers), 8th largest
Coastline: 367 miles (591 kilometers), 6th largest
Shoreline: Including inland waterways, it’s considerably longer but not officially ranked.
Largest Cities:
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Austin
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
- Plano
- Laredo
- Lubbock
- Garland
- Irving
- Amarillo
- Grand Prairie
National Parks:
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Padre Island National Seashore
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Texas State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
State Animal: Texas Longhorn
State Amphibian: Texas Toad
State Butterfly: Monarch Butterfly
State Fish: Guadalupe Bass
State Flower: Bluebonnet
State Horse Breed: American Quarter Horse
State Insect: Monarch Butterfly
State Mammal: Texas Longhorn, Nine-banded Armadillo
State Reptile: Texas Horned Lizard
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Texas Red Grapefruit
State Gemstone: Texas Blue Topaz
State Soil: Houston Black Soil
State Tree: Pecan
State Quarter: Issued in 2004 featuring the outline of the state, a star, and the inscription “The Lone Star State”
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Blue, White, and Red
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Chili
State Fossil: Petrified Palmwood
State Mineral: Silver
State Rock: Petrified Palmwood