On February 1st, National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of independent people and history. The 28th state 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
On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state admitted to the Union, but its storied history stretched long before that date. From the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez 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 a woman by the name of Emily West, but historians find little to no evidence. A statue by Veryl Goodnight stands in Houston.
During and after the Civil War, news traveled slowly. It took the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, 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 the news did truly travel slowly, June 19th became a celebration of culture and freedom called Juneteenth.
Official Texas
- State Capital – Austin
- State Nickname – The Lone Star State
- State Song – Texas Our Texas
- State Tree – Pecan Tree
- State Reptile – Texas Toad
- State Vehicle – Chuck Wahon
- State Bread – Pan de Campo
- State Vegetable- Texas Sweet Onion
- State WildFlower – Blue bonnet
- State Stone – Petrified Palmwood
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 lab coat 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.
Texas Flavor
“Everything is bigger in Texas.” You’ve probably heard the saying so it’s no surprise that it is reflected in food. Chili, Queso, Pecan Pie, Tex-Mex, Sweet Tea, Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Okra, Breakfast Tacos, and Tortilla Soup to name a few. Texas BBQ is so well known and separate from North Carolina, or others. If you find yourself in Austin check out Franklin BBQ.
NATURE – ART – HISTORY
For a complete list of Texas State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
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
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
Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam – Pearland
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame – Waco
Fort Concho – San Angelo
Fort Griffin State Historic Site – Albany
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
Have you heard?
Juan Seguin – Political Figure – (October 27, 1806 – August 27, 1890)
Scott Joplin – Composer – (November 24, 1868 – April 1, 1917)
Wiley Post – Aviator – (November 22, 1898 – August 15, 1935)
Dwight D. Eisenhower – President – (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969)
Bessie Coleman – Aviator – (January 26, 1892 -April 30, 1926)
Howard Hughes – Businessman – (December 24, 1905 – April 5, 1976)
Caro Crawford Brown – Journalist – (May 25, 1908 – August 5, 2001)
Lyndon B Johnson – President – (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)
Denton Cooley – Surgeon – (August 22, 1920 – November 2016)
Otis Boykin – Inventor – August 29, 1920 – March 13, 1982)
Sandra Day O’Conner – Supreme Court Justice (March 26, 1930)
Willie Nelson – Musician – (April 29, 1933 – )
Larry McMurtry – Author – (June 3, 1936 – )
HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALTEXASDAY
Discover something new about Texas. Explore the 28th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Texas’ vast landscapes! Use #NationalTexasDay to share on social media.
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