February 1 - National Texas Day

Happy National Texas Day! Today we observe the 28th state to join the union back on December 29, 1845. 

Texas is the second largest state in the United States by area (after Alaska) and population (after California). 

Located in the South Central region, Texas shares borders with the states of Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the North and New Mexico to the west. 

The Mexican states Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the southwest has a coastline with the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast. 

Texas may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive. 

  

Legendary History and People 

From the dictatorship of Mexican politician and general Antonio López de Santa Anna and the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 to the Alamo in 1836, names like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and Juan Seguin echo throughout the state. 

Many legends abound where Texas is concerned. According to the story, The Yellow Rose of Texas was a mulatto woman who distracted Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto allowing victory for the republic. 

Many credit an American folk heroine by the name of Emily West (also known as Emily Morgan), but historians find little to no evidence. A statue by American sculptor Veryl Goodnight stands in Houston. 

During and after the Civil War, news traveled slowly. On June 19, 1865, it took the arrival of U.S. Army officer and Union Major General Gordon Granger and his announcement with General Orders, Number 3 that the Civil War was over and all slaves were now freedmen, for life to change in Galveston, Texas.  

Whether it required the military to enforce the new federal law or if news did truly travel slowly, June 19 became a celebration of culture and freedom called Juneteenth. 

Technology and Landscape 

Texas loves technology. Home to Johnson Space Center and more than one computer company that began as a startup, the Lone Star State wears its boots and labcoat at the same time. 

They’ve brought us the handheld calculator and 3-D printing as well as many medical advancements. And let’s not forget, Dr Pepper. 

Whether traveling to the Gulf Coast, staying close to the panhandle which includes a patch of Route 66 or wandering the Great Plains, there’s plenty of Texas to see. 

Take in some history or explore the cities. Take a hike along the Palo Duro Canyon on the Red River or in Big Bend National Park. 

  

For a complete list of Texas State and National Parks and historic sites, please visit the websites below. 

  

https://www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks 

https://www.nps.gov 

Battleship Texas State Historic Site – LaPorte 

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway – Quitaque 

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area – Rocksprings 

Franklin Mountains State Park– El Paso 

Goose Island State Park – Rockport 

Indian Lodge – Fort Davis 

McKinney Falls State Park – Austin 

Big Thicket Gateway – Lumberton 

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument – Fritch 

Big Bend National Park – Rio Grande 

Padre Island National Seashore – Corpus Christi 

Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam – Pearland 

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame – Waco 

Fort Concho – San Angelo 

Fort Griffin State Historic Site– Albany 

Be sure to check out a few of the featured sites around the state below as well. 

𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐌𝐒

Bullock Texas State History Museum – Austin 

Texas Memorial Museum – Austin 

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center– Austin 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas 

African American Museum – Dallas 

Kimbell Art Museum – Fort Worth 

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – Canyon 

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston 

San Jacinto Museum – Houston 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Discover something new about Texas. Join National Day Calendar® as they explore the state’s history, people and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Texas’ vast landscapes! Use #NationalTexasDay to share on social media. 

Hidden Treasures

The Marfa Lights – Marfa 

Gone with the Wind Museum– Cleburne 

Jacob’s Well Natural Area – Hays County 

Ms. Pearl the Squirrel – Cedar Creek 

We also observe these famous figures born in Texas of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Juan Seguin, Scott Joplin, Wiley Post, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bessie Coleman, Howard Hughes, Caro Crawford Brown, Lyndon B. Johnson, Denton Cooley, Otis Boykin, Sandra Day O'Conner, Willie Nelson and Larry McMurtry. 

Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Texas

Here's to The Lone Star State! 

#NationalTexasDay 

@TexasFootball
@drpepper

@NASA_Johnson
@sxsw

@texasroadhouse
@TEXACO_OIL 

@nichecinema