Texas Olya R
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Texas.
Nickname: Lone Star State
Famous Texans:
Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, was born in Denison, Texas on October 14th, 1890.
George Walker Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, was govenor of Texas from 1995-2000.
Sandra Day O'Connor, U.S. Supreme Court justice.
Dan Rather, TV newscaster and host of CBS Evening News.
Mary Kay Ash, cosmetics entrepreneur and founder of Mary Kay cosmetics.
Steven Fuller Austin, founding father of Texas and namesake of the state's capital.
Audie Murphy
1924-71: Soldier, actor; born near Kingston, Texas. The most decorated American soldier of World War II, he won the Congressional Medal of Honor during the fighting in the Colmar Pocket, Germany, in 1945. He appeared in the war adventure films Beyond Glory (1948) and To Hell and Back (1948).
Lyndon B. Johnson
1908-73: Thirty-sixth U.S. president; born near Stonewall, Texas. Son of schoolteachers, he taught school briefly after graduating from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Southwest Texas State University) (1930), then gravitated to Democratic politics. After serving as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administrator of the National Youth Administration in Texas, he went on to the U.S. House of Representatives (1937--49) and was quickly marked by his strong support of New Deal programs. A member of the Naval Reserve, he enlisted for active duty within hours after Pearl Harbor--the first Congressman to do so; he served in the Pacific until President Roosevelt ordered all Congressmen back to their elective office in July 1942. He won a narrow race for the U.S. Senate (1948) and served two terms (1949--61). As Democratic whip and then majority leader (1955--61)--and as the consummate arm-twisting deal-maker--he helped pass some of the most progressive social legislation of the century, including the civil rights acts of 1957 and 1960. Elected John F. Kennedy's vice-president in 1960, he became president on Kennedy's assassination in November 1963; in 1964 he was returned to office by a landslide. He proclaimed a "Great Society" program to fight poverty and racism, achieving passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965), plus a slate of social-welfare programs including Medicare. At the same time, he led the U.S.A. into an increasingly bloody and unpopular war in Vietnam. Declining support from his own high-level appointees and increasing divisiveness around the country led to his decision not to run in 1968. He retired to his Texas ranch and to writing his memoirs. Larger than life in his public behavior but more than vulgar in his private speech, sensitive to the plight of many less-fortunate Americans but insecure in his dealings with the Eastern Democratic Establishment, he ended as something of a tragic figure because of his overreaching ways.
Chester Nimitz
1885-1966: Naval officer; born in Fredericksburg, Texas. He supervised the construction of the navy's first diesel ship engine (1913--16). He was chief of staff to the commander of the Atlantic fleet submarine division in World War I. He was chief of the Bureau of Navigation (1939--41) and became commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet after Pearl Harbor (1941). In 1942 he was named commander of all land, sea, and air forces in the Pacific. He refused to attack until U.S. forces were fully ready, in spite of pressure from Congress and the newspapers. He developed much of the strategy of "island hopping" while leading the fleet to many victories. He signed for the U.S.A. at the Japanese surrender ceremonies, which took place aboard his flagship, the USS Missouri, in 1945. He served as chief of naval operations after the war (1945-47).
Texas History .
The first Europeans to come through the area were Spanish explorers such as Coronado, who traveled the region in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Republic of Texas, with Sam Houston as president, was born In 1836 following the war between American settlers in Texas and the Mexican government which featured the well known battle of the Alamo.
Texas is the country's biggest producer of oil, cattle, sheep, minerals and cotton.
Tourists spend $20.6 billion a year visiting Texas.
Texas is second in size only to Alaska.
General Texas State History
About 10,000 B.C., the first Indians arrived in Texas. These ancient peoples are called Paleo-Indians. They hunted mammoths and giant bison and other animals that later became extinct.
During this period Indians painted beautiful murals depicting human scenes and religious ceremonies on cave walls in dry areas of West Texas.
The years from A.D. 500 to A.D. 1500 are called the Late Prehistoric Period. Agricultural Indians domesticated some of our principal crops, including cotton, corn, beans, squash, tomatoes and potatoes. Burial and temple mounds of these early farmers can be found in the piney woods of East Texas.
In 1519, the Spanish explorer Pineda made a map of the Texas coast. This event marked the beginning of Spain's rule in Texas.
Nine years later, in 1528, Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked near Galveston. His small band met many Indian tribes while wandering through the Texas area, but he finally came to a Spanish settlement. He made his way to Mexico City with tales of the fabled "Seven Cities of Gold."
In the early 1540s, the explorer Coronado, in an attempt to find the seven cities, trekked through present New Mexico, West Texas and as far north as Kansas. Though he found no cities of gold, he strengthened Spain's claim on Texas. Today, an archeological site linked to Coronado is being studied by a team of archeologists in the Texas Panhandle.
Corpus Christi de la Isleta, established near El Paso in 1682, was the first Spanish mission and pueblo in Texas.
The French claim on Texas rests on La Salle's visit in 1685. He established Fort St. Louis in the Matagorda Bay area. Two years later, he was killed by his own men. By 1690, Indians and disease had destroyed the small French force. In 1995, a team of Texas Historical Commission archeologists discovered the Belle, one of La Salle's frigates, in the murky waters of Matagorda Bay. In 1996, the exact location of Fort St. Louis was pinpointed near Victoria. These discoveries represent two of the most important archeological finds in recent history, and promise to provide many answers to questions about this period in history.
Alarmed by the French presence in Texas and the French settlements in the Louisiana area, the Spaniards established in 1690 Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first East Texas mission.
In 1718, with the establishment of Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), the city of San Antonio was founded.
In 1821, the year Mexico gained independence from Spain, Stephen F. Austin received permission from the Mexican government to settle a colony of 300 families, now known as the "Old Three Hundred," in southeast Texas. Although Anglo Americans were already living in Texas at the time, Austin's settlement was the official beginning of Anglo American colonization in Texas. By 1836, 35,000 to 50,000 people had settled in Texas.
Early in 1835, Stephen F. Austin announced that he was convinced that war with Mexico was necessary to secure freedom. Growing tension in Texas was the result of cultural, political and religious differences between the Anglo Americans and the Mexican government. In response to the unrest, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico, reinforced Mexican troops in Texas. A battle fought at Gonzales on Oct. 2, 1835, in which the Mexican forces were thwarted in their efforts to retrieve a cannon, gave rise to the famous flag bearing the words "Come and Take It." Though there were earlier minor skirmishes, the Battle of Gonzales is generally considered to be the first battle for Texas' independence.
The Battle of the Alamo, lasting nearly two weeks, ended on March 6, 1836, with the deaths of all its defenders (numbering about 190). The Mexican army of Santa Anna numbered 4,000 to 5,000 during its final charge. Among those killed were David Crockett, Jim Bowie and William B. Travis. A subsequent massacre of Texans who had surrendered at Goliad on March 27 led to the battle cry of Texas' independence, "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!"
The Texas Declaration of Independence was enacted at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 2, 1836. The Battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21, 1836, near the present city of Houston. Santa Anna's entire force of 1,600 men was killed or captured by Gen. Sam Houston's army of 800 Texans; only nine Texans died. This decisive battle resulted in Texas' independence from Mexico.
Sam Houston, a native of Virginia, was president of the Republic of Texas for two separate terms, 1836-1838 and 1841-1844. He also was governor of the state of Texas from 1859 to 1861.
Jose Antonio Navarro, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and one of the framers of the Constitution of the Republic, was a Texas native, born in San Antonio in 1795. He also served in the Republic of Texas Congress and the Constitutional Convention in 1845. Navarro County was named in his honor.
The first Congress of the Republic of Texas convened October 1836 at Columbia (now West Columbia).
Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," died Dec. 27, 1836, after serving two months as secretary of state for the new Republic.
In 1836, five sites served as temporary capitals of Texas (Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco and Columbia) before Sam Houston moved the capital to Houston in 1837. In 1839, the capital was moved to the new town of Austin.
Texas was annexed to the United States as the 28th state on Dec. 29, 1845. Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America on Jan. 28, 1861. Texas officially was readmitted to the Union on March 30, 1870, following the period of Reconstruction. The present Texas Constitution was ratified on Feb. 15, 1876.
In 1936, Texas celebrated its centennial. Historical markers, placed by the Centennial Commission, later were the basis for the historical marker program of the Texas Historical Commission.
On Nov. 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during a motorcade through downtown Dallas. Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas was sworn in as president aboard the presidential airplane at Dallas' Love Field airport that same day.
The symbols.
The Symbol of Texas:The Texas Lone Star Flag
The State Flower:The Bluebonnet
The State Pepper:the Jalapeño
The State Insect:The Monarch Butterfly
The State Fruit:The Red Grapefruit
The State Small Mammal:The Armadillo
The State Large Mammal:The Longhorn
The State Dish:Chili
The State Flying Mammal:the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
Recreation and historic sites.
Cowboys of Color Rodeo
Traditional professional rodeo events
Relay Races
Mutton Bustin’ and more.
Highlighting the rich diversity that various cultures bring to rodeo and the western way of life, this rodeo will also feature special presentations by Circle L5 Riding Club, La Guadalupana side saddle riding team and internationally acclaimed vaquero, Jerry Diaz. Presented by State Farm and Univision.
Texas State History Museum - Austin Museum that tells the "Story of Texas" with interactive exhibits. Also home to an IMAX theater.
Big Bend National Park - One of the largest and least visited national parks. Home to canyons, desert, mountains, and numerous species of birds.
King Ranch - Kingsville The birthplace of the American Ranching Industry and a National Historic Landmark.
Historic Sites
Acton State Historical Park
The park is the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, second wife of Davy Crockett, who married him in Tennessee in 1815. She died January 31, 1860. Since Crockett fought for Texas and died at the Alamo, his heirs were eligible for a land grant, but Mrs. Elizabeth Crockett did not claim her grant until 1853. By that time all choice land was claimed and she had to give surveyor half of her land for locating a tract worth claiming. This land was in northeast Hood County Near Acton
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park
In the 1800s, the low-lying Texas coast made charting a seagoing course extremely difficult, and a number of captains requested that something be done. The Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in 1852, near sites of Civil War Battle of Palmito Ranch (1865) and Mexican War Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. The old Texas lighthouses declined in importance over the years. Newer towers with more powerful fixtures were built at the turn of the century, and the Depression years meant that less money was available for keeping the lighthouses lit. The emergence of railroads provided a direct link between Corpus Christi and the interior of Mexico, and this meant less commercial shipping. As a result, the Port Isabel light was extinguished in 1905. The lighthouse fell into neglect until the Texas State Parks Board provided funds for restoration in 1947. Dedicated as a state park in 1952, the historic landmark has become a popular tourist attraction. A major renovation of the 143-year-old, 60-foot tall, brick structure is slated for the fall of 1997, during which time the lighthouse will be closed. The City of Port Isabel has come up with a $150,000 grant to match federal ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) monies that have been allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation for the $610,000 lighthouse renovation.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park
The park's location is historically significant since it is in the heart of the former President's home country. The area has been influenced by three major cultures: Native Americans, Spanish and German. Indians roamed the Hill Country first, leaving behind artifacts which tell of their nomadic life. The Spanish conquistadors followed, bringing a culture which was to endure to the present. German immigrants settled the Hill Country in the early 1800s and their descendants still call it home. Their culture has had a major impact on the development of the region and the park itself. All of these cultures are represented at the park. The 269-acre facility was officially dedicated in August 1970 in a ceremony attended by the Johnson family and a host of dignitaries. Since the dedication, the park has been expanded to approximately 732.75 acres.
Caddoan Mounds State Historical Park
It was the home of Mound Builders of Caddoan origin who lived in the region for 500 years beginning about A.D. 800. See" Temples and Tombs of an Ancient People," a TPWD publication on the history of Caddoan Mounds. Also, the Friends of Caddoan Mounds State Historical Park are rebuilding a Caddo House at the park. The park offers exhibits and interpretive trails through its reconstructed sites of Caddo dwellings and ceremonial areas, including two temple mounds, a burial mound, and a village area.
Mission Tejas State Historical Park
The park was built in 1934 by Co. 888 of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas, which was established in 1690. Also in the park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and restored in 1974. The home, which Joseph Redmund Rice, Sr. constructed between 1828 and 1838, is one of the oldest structures in the area. The home served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas. Activities include camping; picnicking; hiking; and fishing. A pond located near the picnic area offers an excellent opportunity to explore aquatic life and fish. Hiking and nature trails provide access to the natural beauty of the east Texas Pineywoods. The dogwood are beautiful the last week or so of March, usually around the 25th.
Tourist Attractions
Adventure Bay
12 acres of water highlighted by Houston's only Master Blaster, a water coaster that defies gravity and sends its riders uphill! Explore Pirates Cove children's area with its huge interactive pirate ship. Brave the waves in Paradise Bay wave pool, or relax and unwind in Rio Lento, the laziest of rivers. For the daring, there are plenty of thrills in the Lost Falls Speedslides and Slidewinders Tube Rides. Relax at the Galley and full service food and beverage court.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
A 66-acre haven of natural beauty only minutes from downtown Dallas. Headquarters is in the Camp Estate, designed by Texas' most famous residential architect, John Staub, and completed in 1938. Also on grounds is historic DeGolyer House, a magnificent Spanish Colonial-style mansion built in 1940 by Texas oil man Everett DeGolyer. Mansion of 21,000 square feet has 13 rooms, 7 baths, 16th- and 17th-Century antiques, and artworks; surrounded by Old English garden, footpaths, rolling lawns, and woodlands on White Rock Lake. Twenty-five acres of ornamental gardens and forty-one acres of natural woodland create an oasis in the heart of one of Dallas' oldest neighborhoods. The Arboretum creates a rotating display of seasonal color. Special events occur every month.
Six Flags Over Texas
The famed 200-acre theme park features fun and fantasy in settings of lavish landscaping. Rides include breathtakers like the "Texas Giant," a massive wooden roller coaster that climbs 143 feet into the sky, then takes off for a ride reaching a top speed of 62 mph (voted three times the top roller coaster in the world), and the chilling Mr. Freeze, the tallest and fastest coaster in Texas where guests are launched through a 190-ft. tunnel reaching speeds of 70 mph into a totally vertical climb to a dizzying height of 218 feet, along 1,300 feet of track; then Mr. Freeze gets his revenge sending victims through the entire coaster again - in reverse! Other rides include the "Texas Chute-Out," a 17-story parachute drop, the "G-Force Anti-Gravitational Text Facility" whose gondolas drop like falling elevators, and the huge "Shock Wave" double-loop roller coaster. Then, there's the "Flashback," a roller coaster ride that drops from a 125-ft. tower and careens through three loops at speeds of 55 mph, and just when you think its over, you relive the experience--this time backwards! Elegant mid-1920s carousel, "The Silver Star," restored to all its grandeur with some 66 prancing wooden horses, welcomes visitors just behind the park's landmark flags and fountain. Roaring Rapids offers white-water boating thrills. Runaway Mountain, a wild roller coaster ride, carries thrill-seekers through a giant 65-foot tall mountain at high-speed horizontal spirals in the dark. In the shadows of the mountain sits Gator McGee's Mountain Grill, a restaurant with entertainment and stories by Gator McGee. "The Right Stuff Mach 1 Adventure" combines high-tech movie images, surrounding sound, and a computerized motion system which creates the full sensations of supersonic flight. Once inside a replica of an Edwards Air Force Base hangar, guests will be strapped into cockpit seats and the sky's the limit from there--twisting, turning, and zooming through clouds on the mission of a lifetime--all without ever leaving the ground.
Dallas Zoo
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including many rare and endangered species, such as okapis, snow leopards, tuataras, and much more. Nationally renowned reptile collection, interactive Reptile Discovery Center, and walk-through rain forest aviary.
Japanese Garden
An enchanting six-acre garden of Oriental design featuring a pagoda, moon-viewing deck, teahouse, and meditation garden amid lush exotic plants.
