How well do you know Texas?
Everything is bigger in Texas — including its history, food and surprises. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Dr Pepper was created in Waco, Texas, in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton. It is one of the oldest major soft drinks in the United States, and a museum in Waco tells its story.
- The King Ranch in South Texas covers about 825,000 acres, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island. It helped develop new cattle breeds, such as the Santa Gertrudis.
- Texas has 254 counties, more than any other state. Brewster County, home to Big Bend National Park, covers over 6,000 square miles — larger than Connecticut, and larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined.
Big state, big stories
Texas is the second-largest state by both area and population. It stretches from pine forests in the east to deserts and mountains in the west, and from the Gulf Coast to the High Plains. Its strong identity comes from its history as an independent republic, its ranching traditions and a fast-growing, diverse population.
Six flags over Texas
Six different flags have flown over Texas: those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States. This layered history influences Texan culture, place names and architecture, especially the Spanish and Mexican heritage visible in cities such as San Antonio.
Food and flavor
Texas cuisine blends many traditions. Tex-Mex dishes such as fajitas and chili con queso mix Mexican and American flavors. Barbecue styles vary across the state, and Central Texas brisket has become famous worldwide. Kolaches, brought by Czech immigrants, are a popular breakfast pastry.
Energy and industry
Texas has long been a leader in oil and natural gas production, and today it also produces more wind power than any other state. Houston is a global energy hub, while Dallas, Austin and San Antonio have growing technology, finance and health industries.
Big Bend and wild places
Big Bend National Park in West Texas lies along the Rio Grande and the Mexican border. It includes mountains, canyons and desert, and it is one of the darkest places for stargazing in the continental US. Its remoteness makes it one of the least crowded national parks.
A grid of its own
Most of Texas uses its own electrical grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), rather than being fully connected to the grids covering the rest of the country. This unusual arrangement keeps most Texas electricity under state rather than federal regulation.
Rodeos and ranching
Ranching shaped Texas identity. Cattle drives in the 1800s moved millions of cattle north along trails such as the Chisholm Trail. Today rodeos keep those skills alive: the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, combining competitions, concerts and agricultural exhibits over several weeks.