Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., is more than just a geographical giant—it's a mosaic of cultures, a powerhouse economy, and a historical narrative that unfolds across centuries. Spanning 268,596 square miles and home to over 30 million residents as of 2023, Texas ranks as the second-largest state both in area (after Alaska) and population (after California).

At the heart of this vast expanse, Houston emerges as the most populous city, holding the fourth-largest spot nationally. San Antonio, the second most populous in the state, claims its own prominence as the seventh-largest city in the U.S. With Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston following closely, these metropolitan areas contribute to Texas's status as an economic and cultural juggernaut.

Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Texas proudly carries its historical legacy as an independent republic, symbolized by the Lone Star featured on its flag and state seal. The term "six flags over Texas" aptly captures the various nations that have claimed dominion over the region, from Spain to France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.

The etymology of Texas itself traces back to the Caddo word táyshaʼ, meaning 'friend.' Spanish explorers applied the term to the Caddo people, and the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas in East Texas marked a significant historical milestone in 1690. Texas, during its Spanish colonial rule, went through various names, from Nuevas Filipinas to province of the Tejas, eventually becoming a republic in 1836 and joining the United States in 1845.

The state's vast expanse hosts diverse landscapes shaped by geological features like the Balcones Fault. Contrary to popular belief, less than ten percent of Texas is desert, with most areas featuring former prairies, grasslands, forests, and a sprawling coastline. Traveling across the state unveils a spectrum of terrains, from coastal swamps to the Big Bend mountains.

Historically, Texas's economy has been molded by cattle and bison, cotton, timber, and oil industries. The cattle industry, dominating in the 19th century, crafted the iconic image of the Texas cowboy. Cotton and lumber took center stage later, but it was the discovery of significant oil deposits, notably Spindletop, that fueled a 20th-century economic boom.

In the modern era, Texas boasts the most Fortune 500 company headquarters in the U.S., with a thriving high-tech industry. Leading in tourism, agriculture, petrochemicals, energy, computers and electronics, aerospace, and biomedical sciences, Texas has the second-highest gross state product. If it were an independent nation, Texas would have the world's 10th-largest economy.

The historical tapestry of Texas is woven with the contributions of diverse Native American tribes, such as the Caddo, Apache, Comanche, and many more. The state's landscape has been a stage for both cooperation and conflict between settlers and Native Americans. As the U.S. expanded westward, treaties were made and broken, leading to significant movements of native populations, notably the Trail of Tears.

Exploring Texas's rich history brings to light the complex relationships between Europeans, Native Americans, and Texans during the Texas Revolution. From Spanish missions to the conflicts with Native tribes, Texas's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and transformation.

As Texas continues to evolve and shape its destiny, it remains an enduring symbol of the American spirit, blending its historical roots with the dynamism of the present. The Lone Star State stands tall, inviting all to explore its expansive landscapes, embrace its diverse cultures, and witness the ongoing saga of Texas.

Texas (/ˈtɛksəs/ TEK-səs, locally also /ˈtɛksɪz/ TEK-siz;^[8] Spanish: Texas or Tejas,^[b] pronounced [ˈtexas]) is a state in the South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,660 km²), and with more than 30 million residents in 2023,^[10][11][12] it is the second-largest U.S. state by both area (after Alaska) and population (after California). Texas shares borders with the states of Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south and southwest; and has a coastline with the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.