Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, both in terms of land area and population. It is located in the southern part of the country and shares borders with Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and Mexico to the southwest. The Gulf of Mexico is to the southeast of Texas.
Things To Do in Texas
- Visit the Alamo: the Alamo in San Antonio is a significant historical site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Explore the Alamo complex, learn about the Battle of the Alamo, and immerse yourself in Texas’ rich past.
- Attend a Rodeo or a Livestock Show: Texas is known for its cowboy culture and rodeo events. Experience the excitement of a rodeo with thrilling events like bull riding, roping, and barrel racing. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest and most famous events of its kind, attracting visitors from all over.
- Explore San Antonio’s River Walk: The River Walk in downtown San Antonio is a vibrant pedestrian pathway along the San Antonio River. Lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, it offers a scenic and lively atmosphere.
Notable Residents in Texas
- Elon Musk – American Entrepreneur: known for his billion-dollar ventures and technological innovations, has expanded his influence into the realm of media. Currently residing in Boca Chica, Texas, Musk has set up a modest residence in the area. As part of his ventures in the Lone Star State, Musk established a Tesla subsidiary in South Texas with the aim of providing power to the local community.
- Sandra Bullock – American Actress: may not be as visible in Texas as she once was, but her roots in the state run deep. Despite her advice for Hollywood newcomers to embrace their originality, the Oscar winner has established a strong presence in Austin’s vibrant restaurant scene.
- Beyoncé – American Singer: was born and raised in Houston, Texas, on September 4, 1981. Recognized as one of the most prominent music artists worldwide, Beyoncé initially gained fame as the lead vocalist of the group Destiny’s Child.
Interesting / Fun Facts About Texas
- Texas’ official flag is known as ‘The Lone Star Flag’. Created in 1839, the Lone Star Flag was designed by Peter Krag, an artist based in Austin. Krag was commissioned to bring the flag to life based on an initial freehand sketch.
- Texas ranks as the second-largest state in the United States, encompassing a land area of 268,596 square miles. To put it into perspective, Texas is nearly three times larger than the entire United Kingdom!
- Rodeo is a thrilling sport that showcases the agility, skill, and speed of cowboys and cowgirls. Professional rodeos in the American style typically feature a variety of events, including tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing.
Public Transportation in Texas
- Buses: Most cities in Texas have bus systems that provide transportation within the city and surrounding areas. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have extensive bus networks operated by transit authorities.
- Light Rail and Trams: Some cities have light rail or tram systems that offer a convenient mode of transportation. For example, Dallas has the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which includes light rail lines connecting various neighborhoods and suburbs.
- Commuter Rail: Texas also has commuter rail services in select areas. For instance, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connects downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, providing transportation for commuters between the two cities.
- Metro/Subway: Houston operates a light rail system called METRORail, which serves various parts of the city. However, Texas does not have a traditional subway system like those found in New York City or Chicago.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Popular ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in many cities across Texas, providing convenient transportation options at the touch of a button.