1127 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077

-95.62 29.77

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UPS Store (281) 970-3698

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Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, both in area and population, and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, vast landscapes, and significant economic and cultural influence. Texas is often described as a "state of mind" due to its unique identity, blending influences from the South, Southwest, Mexico, and Western regions of the U.S. The state has a proud heritage, from its time as an independent republic to its pivotal role in American history.

Geography and Location
Location: Texas is bordered by:

New Mexico to the west,
Oklahoma to the north,
Arkansas to the northeast,
Louisiana to the east, and
Mexico to the south and southwest.
It also has a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.
Size: Texas covers an area of about 268,596 square miles (695,662 km ), making it the second-largest state in the U.S. (after Alaska).

Topography: The state features a diverse range of landscapes, including:

Mountains: The Chihuahuan Desert and the Davis Mountains in the west, which form part of the Rocky Mountains.
Plains: The Great Plains and Central Texas Hill Country, known for rolling hills and rivers.
Coastal Plains: The region along the Gulf Coast features flat, marshy terrain, beaches, and islands.
Forests: The eastern part of the state is known for its pine forests and hardwoods.

Climate
Texas has a varied climate due to its large size, ranging from arid in the west to humid in the east.

Western Texas: This area, particularly near El Paso, has a desert climate with hot summers and cooler winters. The region is also prone to droughts.

Central Texas: This area, including cities like Austin and San Antonio, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are often pleasant, but summers can be sweltering.

Eastern Texas: The climate here is humid subtropical, with hot summers, mild winters, and frequent rainfall. Cities like Houston experience humidity and occasional tropical storms or hurricanes.

Gulf Coast: Coastal Texas experiences tropical influences, with very hot summers, mild winters, and the risk of hurricanes during the late summer and fall.

History and Culture
Texas has a complex history shaped by Native American tribes, Spanish colonization, Mexican independence, Texas independence, and its eventual admission to the United States.

Native American Heritage: Before European settlers arrived, Texas was home to several Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Comanche, Apache, and Karankawa. The state's name is derived from the Caddo word "Tejas," meaning friend or ally.

Spanish Rule: Spain established missions and settlements in Texas in the 16th century, and the region remained under Spanish control for more than 200 years.

Mexican Independence: In 1821, Texas became part of Mexico after Mexico gained independence from Spain.

Texas Independence: Tensions between the Texan settlers (many of whom were from the U.S.) and the Mexican government led to the Texas Revolution (1835-1836), culminating in the Battle of the Alamo and Texas' victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. Texas became an independent republic, known as the Republic of Texas, from 1836 to 1845.

Statehood: Texas was admitted to the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. The state was an independent nation for 9 years before joining the Union, which contributed to the state's deep sense of pride and independence.

The Civil War: Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861-1865). After the war, it was reintegrated into the Union in 1870.

Cultural Heritage: Texas has a diverse cultural heritage, shaped by its Spanish, Mexican, African American, and Anglo influences. Tex-Mex cuisine, country music, and rodeo culture are an integral part of the state's identity.

Economy
Texas has a diverse and thriving economy, one of the largest in the U.S. and the world.

Energy: Texas is a leader in oil and natural gas production. The Permian Basin is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the world, and Texas is also a major player in renewable energy, particularly wind power.

Technology: Texas, particularly Austin, has become a major tech hub, sometimes called "Silicon Hills." The state is home to tech giants like Dell, Apple, and Google, as well as numerous startups.

Agriculture: Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Texas economy, with the state being a leading producer of cattle, cotton, hay, poultry, and dairy products.

Aerospace: Texas is a major center for the aerospace industry, with significant presence from companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon.

Manufacturing: Texas also has a robust manufacturing sector, producing goods such as electronics, chemicals, machinery, and automobiles.

Tourism: Tourism is a key industry, driven by attractions like The Alamo, Big Bend National Park, Space Center Houston, and San Antonio's River Walk.

Major Cities and Regions
Houston: The largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the U.S., Houston is a major hub for the energy industry and home to the NASA Space Center. The city is known for its diverse population, world-class museums, and medical center.

Austin: The state capital, Austin is known for its live music scene, particularly in country, blues, and indie rock. It's also a tech hotspot, earning the nickname "Silicon Hills." The city's slogan, "Keep Austin Weird," reflects its vibrant cultural and creative atmosphere.

San Antonio: Known for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history, San Antonio is home to the Alamo, the River Walk, and Fiesta San Antonio, an annual cultural festival. It's the second-most populous city in Texas and a major tourist destination.

Dallas: A global city with a strong economy based on technology, finance, and telecommunications, Dallas is known for its arts scene, shopping, and sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks.

Fort Worth: Known as the "City of Cowboys and Culture," Fort Worth celebrates its western heritage with attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards and Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk.

El Paso: Located on the border with Mexico, El Paso has a strong Mexican-American influence. It's a gateway for trade and commerce, as well as a cultural hub with a rich blend of American and Mexican cultures.

Lubbock: Known as the birthplace of Buddy Holly, Lubbock is a major center for education and agriculture in the Texas Panhandle.

Culture and Attractions
Music: Texas is home to various musical genres, especially country music, blues, and rock. Key music events include:

Austin City Limits Festival in Austin,
South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual festival for music, film, and technology,
Texas Country Music and honky-tonk culture, particularly in Fort Worth and Dallas.
Food: Texas cuisine is defined by its barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Southern influences.


Texas BBQ is known for brisket, ribs, and sausages, often served with pickles and jalapenos.
Tex-Mex cuisine blends traditional Mexican flavors with American ingredients and includes dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso.
Kolaches, a pastry of Czech origin, are popular in central Texas.
Sports: Texas is passionate about sports, especially football. High school football is a major cultural event, and the state is home to professional teams such as the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Houston Texans (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Houston Rockets (NBA).

Natural Wonders: Texas is home to various natural parks and scenic areas, including:

Big Bend National Park, known for its rugged desert landscapes and the Rio Grande River,
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which includes the highest peak in Texas,
Padre Island National Seashore, the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the U.S.

Conclusion
Texas is a state of immense variety-a land of vast landscapes, a rich history, and a diverse culture. From the music scene of Austin to the history of San Antonio, the energy industry of Houston, and the outdoor beauty of Big Bend, Texas offers something for everyone. Whether you're visiting for its world-class cities, exploring its rugged terrain, or delving into its unique cultural mix, Texas leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it.