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'''Texas''' became the 28th state to join the union on December 29, 1845. As of 2024, Texas has the 9th largest economy in the world, with a $32.7 billion budget surplus. Texas is a bastion of [[free enterprise]], religious liberty, and [[conservative]] outspokenness. '''''Beginning in fall 2025, the [[Bible]] is part of its [[public school]] curriculum'''''.

'''Texas''' became the 28th state to join the union on December 29, 1845. As of 2024, Texas has the 9th largest economy in the world, with a $32.7 billion budget surplus. Texas is a bastion of [[free enterprise]], religious liberty, and [[conservative]] outspokenness. '''''Beginning in fall 2025, the [[Bible]] is part of its [[public school]] curriculum'''''.

Texas was a territory of [[Mexico]] from 1821–1835, before [[Texas War of Independence|gaining independence]] from [[Mexico]] as the [[Republic of Texas]] from 1836–1845. This state is the largest [[conservative]] state in population (in 2020 it was the only state to gain more than one new seat in Congress, it gained two new seats) and is predicted to surpass [[California]] in population within a few decades (due in part to Californians moving to the state, causing it to lose a Congressional seat for the first time in its history). Texas is the second-largest in population after California (in 2020 its population was estimated at over 29.1 million) and has the second-largest land area after [[Alaska]].  Texas has long been the biggest grower of [[cotton]] in the [[U.S.]]  

Texas was a territory of [[Mexico]] from 1821–1835, before [[Texas War of Independence|gaining independence]] from [[Mexico]] as the [[Republic of Texas]] from 1836–1845. This state is the largest [[conservative]] state in population (in 2020 it was the only state to gain more than one new seat in Congress; it gained two new seats) and is predicted to surpass [[California]] in population within a few decades (due in part to Californians moving to the state, causing it to lose a Congressional seat for the first time in its history). Texas is the second-largest in population after California (in 2020, its population was estimated at over 29.1 million) and has the second-largest land area after [[Alaska]].  Texas has long been the biggest grower of [[cotton]] in the [[U.S.]]  

The capital of Texas is [[Austin]], and its largest city is [[Houston]]. Texas was a solidly [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] state from the end of [[Reconstruction]] in the early 1870s until the 1970s, when [[Republican Party]] started gradually taking control, until it dominated the political atmosphere of the state (although, during the shift, the state maintained a generally conservative approach to governing). Nevertheless, Democrats control the largest cities of Houston, [[San Antonio]], Austin, [[Dallas]], and [[El Paso]] (and the respective counties in which they reside), along with the counties along the Mexican border. Austin is one of the most [[liberal]] cities in [[The South|the South]].

The capital of Texas is [[Austin]], and its largest city is [[Houston]]. Texas was a solidly [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] state from the end of [[Reconstruction]] in the early 1870s until the 1970s, when [[Republican Party]] started gradually taking control, until it dominated the political atmosphere of the state (although, during the shift, the state maintained a generally conservative approach to governing). Nevertheless, Democrats control the largest cities of Houston, [[San Antonio]], Austin, [[Dallas]], and [[El Paso]] (and the respective counties in which they reside), along with the counties along the Mexican border. Austin is one of the most [[liberal]] cities in [[The South|the South]].

===Confederate States of America===

===Confederate States of America===

Texas joined the [[Confederate States of America]] on March 2, 1861, and remained firmly in it until March 15, 1865. The coast was blockaded, and after the fall of Vicksburg in 1863, it became almost impossible to send men, horses or cattle to the east.  Texas became a backwater with little military action, though the actual last battle of the war (fought well after the Confederacy had officially surrendered) was fought in the state (a Texan victory under the Confederacy that had no impact on outcome).

Texas joined the [[Confederate States of America]] on March 2, 1861, and remained firmly in it until March 15, 1865. The coast was blockaded, and after the fall of Vicksburg in 1863, it became almost impossible to send men, horses or cattle to the east.  Texas became a backwater with little military action, though the actual last battle of the war (fought well after the Confederacy had officially surrendered) was fought in the state (a Texan victory under the Confederacy that had no impact on the outcome).

===United States of America===

===United States of America===

However, as Texas's economy was performing very well – unlike states with liberal economic policies – many non-Texans from those liberal states moved into the state.  Although many were conservative, more were liberal; this caused the political left-wing to grow in power, and political analysts continually predict that Texas would soon become a swing state.<ref>Wilson, Reid (November 18, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/417140-rise-of-big-cities-push-texas-to-swing-state-territory-maybe-by-2020 Rise of big cities push Texas to swing-state territory — maybe by 2020]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 18, 2018.</ref>

However, as Texas's economy was performing very well – unlike states with liberal economic policies – many non-Texans from those liberal states moved into the state.  Although many were conservative, more were liberal; this caused the political left-wing to grow in power, and political analysts continually predict that Texas would soon become a swing state.<ref>Wilson, Reid (November 18, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/417140-rise-of-big-cities-push-texas-to-swing-state-territory-maybe-by-2020 Rise of big cities push Texas to swing-state territory — maybe by 2020]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 18, 2018.</ref>

The continued tension between Texas conservative leaders and Washington has led to several groups suggesting that Texas once again become an independent country; the groups range from the "Republic of Texas" organization (which has engaged in violent tactics) to the [[Texas Nationalist Movement]] (which seeks a peaceful secession -- popularly known as "[[Texit]]" -- via a voter-approved state-wide referendum, similar to those held by Scottish Independence groups and the one which ultimately led to [[Brexit]]).

The continued tension between Texas conservative leaders and Washington has led to several groups suggesting that Texas once again become an independent country; the groups range from the "Republic of Texas" organization (which has engaged in violent tactics) to the [[Texas Nationalist Movement]] (which seeks a peaceful secession -- popularly known as "[[Texit]]" -- via a voter-approved statewide referendum, similar to those held by Scottish Independence groups and the one which ultimately led to [[Brexit]]).

Uniquely Texas is the only state to operate [[Texas Bullion Depository|its own bullion depository]].

Uniquely Texas is the only state to operate [[Texas Bullion Depository|its own bullion depository]].

*State Comptroller [[Glenn Hegar]] (R)

*State Comptroller [[Glenn Hegar]] (R)

In addition, all three members of the Texas Railroad Commission (which, despite its name, doesn't deal with railroads; its main function is oil and gas), as well as all nine members of both the Texas Supreme Court (the court of final appeal for civil cases) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (the court of final appeal for criminal cases) are elected statewide; all elected officials of the three groups are Republicans. The state also has a majority of Republicans on the State Board of Education, which is elected from 15 single-member districts.

In addition, all three members of the Texas Railroad Commission (which, despite its name, doesn't deal with railroads; its main function is oil and gas), as well as all nine members of both the Texas Supreme Court (the court of final appeal for civil cases) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (the court of final appeal for criminal cases) are elected statewide; all elected officials of the three groups are Republicans. The state also has a majority of Republicans on the State Board of Education, which is elected from 15 single-member districts.

==Energy==

==Energy==

[[File:Texas-oil.jpg|thumb|350px|right]][[File:Oil-symbol.jpg|thumb|300px|right]]

[[File:Texas-oil.jpg|thumb|350px|right]] [[File:Oil-symbol.jpg|thumb|300px|right]]

Texas leads the Nation in fossil fuel reserves and in non-hydropower renewable energy potential. Texas crude oil reserves represent almost one-fourth of total U.S. oil reserves, and Texas natural gas reserves account for almost three-tenths of total U.S. natural gas reserves. Although Texas's oil reserves are found throughout the State in several geologic basins, the largest remaining reserves are concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas, which contains more than 20 of the Nation's top 100 oil fields. Similarly, deposits of natural gas are found in abundance in several Texas production basins, with the largest fields heavily concentrated in the East Texas Basin in the northeastern part of the State. Texas's fossil fuel reserves also include substantial deposits of lignite coal, found in narrow bands in the Gulf Coast region, and bituminous coal, found in north central and southwestern Texas.<ref>See [http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=TX Energy Information Administration, State Report 2009]</ref>  

Texas leads the Nation in fossil fuel reserves and in non-hydropower renewable energy potential. Texas crude oil reserves represent almost one-fourth of total U.S. oil reserves, and Texas natural gas reserves account for almost three-tenths of total U.S. natural gas reserves. Although Texas's oil reserves are found throughout the State in several geologic basins, the largest remaining reserves are concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas, which contains more than 20 of the Nation's top 100 oil fields. Similarly, deposits of natural gas are found in abundance in several Texas production basins, with the largest fields heavily concentrated in the East Texas Basin in the northeastern part of the State. Texas's fossil fuel reserves also include substantial deposits of lignite coal, found in narrow bands in the Gulf Coast region, and bituminous coal, found in north central and southwestern Texas.<ref>See [http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=TX Energy Information Administration, State Report 2009]</ref>  

Refineries in the Houston area, including the Baytown refinery, the Nation's largest refinery, make up the largest refining center in the United States. From Houston, refined product pipelines spread across the country, allowing Texas petroleum products to reach virtually every major consumption market east of the Rocky Mountains. This network includes the Colonial Pipeline system (Koch), which is the largest petroleum product pipeline system in the United States and is vital for supplying markets throughout the South and East Coast.  

Refineries in the Houston area, including the Baytown refinery, the Nation's largest refinery, make up the largest refining center in the United States. From Houston, refined product pipelines spread across the country, allowing Texas petroleum products to reach virtually every major consumption market east of the Rocky Mountains. This network includes the Colonial Pipeline system (Koch), which is the largest petroleum product pipeline system in the United States and is vital for supplying markets throughout the South and East Coast.  

Texas's total petroleum consumption is the highest in the Nation, and the State leads the country in consumption of asphalt and road oil, distillate fuel oil, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), and lubricants. Texas LPG use is greater than the LPG consumption of all other States combined, due primarily to the State's active petrochemical industry, which is the largest in the United States. Four separate motor gasoline blends are required in Texas to meet the diverse air quality needs of different parts the State, including reformulated motor gasoline blended with ethanol required in the metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The agriculture-rich Texas Panhandle has several corn- and milo-based ethanol plants that are operational or under construction.  

Texas's total petroleum consumption is the highest in the Nation, and the State leads the country in consumption of asphalt and road oil, distillate fuel oil, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), and lubricants. Texas LPG use is greater than the LPG consumption of all other States combined, due primarily to the State's active petrochemical industry, which is the largest in the United States. Four separate motor gasoline blends are required in Texas to meet the diverse air quality needs of different parts of the State, including reformulated motor gasoline blended with ethanol required in the metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The agriculture-rich Texas Panhandle has several corn- and milo-based ethanol plants that are operational or under construction.  

===Natural Gas===

===Natural Gas===

Texas is the Nation's leading natural gas producer, accounting for more than one-fourth of total U.S. natural gas production. In the early days of Texas oil production, natural gas found with oil was largely considered a nuisance and was often flared (burned off) at the wellhead. Although some Texas cities and towns located near oil fields began using natural gas for energy, it was not until the State banned flaring after World War II that oil producers began to find new markets for natural gas. Two pipelines that once carried crude oil to the East Coast were converted to carry natural gas and a new natural gas pipeline to California was built, setting the stage for strong natural gas production growth in the 1950s and 60s. Texas natural gas production reached its peak in 1972 at more than 9.6 billion cubic feet of annual production. Since then, output has declined steadily to less than three-fifths of that level.  

Texas is the Nation's leading natural gas producer, accounting for more than one-fourth of total U.S. natural gas production. In the early days of Texas oil production, natural gas found with oil was largely considered a nuisance and was often flared (burned off) at the wellhead. Although some Texas cities and towns located near oil fields began using natural gas for energy, it was not until the State banned flaring after World War II that oil producers began to find new markets for natural gas. Two pipelines that once carried crude oil to the East Coast were converted to carry natural gas, and a new natural gas pipeline to California was built, setting the stage for strong natural gas production growth in the 1950s and 60s. Texas natural gas production reached its peak in 1972 at more than 9.6 billion cubic feet of annual production. Since then, output has declined steadily to less than three-fifths of that level.  

Today, an expansive network of interstate natural gas pipelines extends from Texas, reaching consumption markets from coast to coast, including those in California, the Midwest, the East Coast, and New England. Texas has 10 natural gas market hubs located in both East and West Texas, more than any other State, and its natural gas storage capacity is among the highest in the Nation. Most of Texas's 34 active storage facilities are depleted oil and gas fields converted for storage use, although many sites have also been developed in salt dome formations. These storage facilities allow Texas to store its natural gas production during the summer when national demand is typically lower and to ramp up delivery quickly during the winter months when markets across the country require greater volumes of natural gas to meet their home heating needs. However, due to the growing use of natural gas for electricity generation in the United States, Texas has occasionally withdrawn natural gas from storage during the summer months to help meet peak electricity demand for air-conditioning use.  

Today, an expansive network of interstate natural gas pipelines extends from Texas, reaching consumption markets from coast to coast, including those in California, the Midwest, the East Coast, and New England. Texas has 10 natural gas market hubs located in both East and West Texas, more than any other State, and its natural gas storage capacity is among the highest in the Nation. Most of Texas's 34 active storage facilities are depleted oil and gas fields converted for storage use, although many sites have also been developed in salt dome formations. These storage facilities allow Texas to store its natural gas production during the summer when national demand is typically lower and to ramp up delivery quickly during the winter months when markets across the country require greater volumes of natural gas to meet their home heating needs. However, due to the growing use of natural gas for electricity generation in the United States, Texas has occasionally withdrawn natural gas from storage during the summer months to help meet peak electricity demand for air-conditioning use.  

==Education==

==Education==

The weakness of education in Texas has always (and still is) an important priority.  The Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico included the following grievance against the government of Mexico pertaining to education:

The weakness of education in Texas has always been (and still is) an important priority.  The Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico included the following grievance against the government of Mexico pertaining to education:

<blockquote>''It has failed to establish any public system of education, although possessed of almost boundless resources, (the public domain,) and although it is an axiom in political science, that unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty, or the capacity for self government.''</blockquote>

<blockquote>''It has failed to establish any public system of education, although possessed of almost boundless resources, (the public domain,) and although it is an axiom in political science, that unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty, or the capacity for self government.''</blockquote>

* #36 in the nation in high school graduation rates (68%).  

* #36 in the nation in high school graduation rates (68%).  

* #33 in the nation in teacher salaries. Teacher salaries in Texas are not keeping pace with the national average. The gains realized from the last state-funded across-the-board pay raise authorized in 1999, which moved the ranking from 33 to as high as 26th in the nation, have disappeared over the last five years.  

* #33 in the nation in teacher salaries. Teacher salaries in Texas are not keeping pace with the national average. The gains realized from the last state-funded across-the-board pay raise authorized in 1999, which moved the ranking from 33 to as high as 26th in the nation, have disappeared over the last five years.  

* Texas was the only state in the nation to cut average per pupil expenditures in fiscal year 2005, resulting in a ranking of #40 nationally; down from #25 in fiscal year 1999.  

* Texas was the only state in the nation to cut average per pupil expenditures in fiscal year 2005, resulting in a ranking of #40 nationally, down from #25 in fiscal year 1999.  

* #6 in the nation in student growth. The general student population in Texas public schools grew by 11.1% between school years 1999 and 2005, with the largest percentage of growth seen among low income and minority children.  

* #6 in the nation in student growth. The general student population in Texas public schools grew by 11.1% between school years 1999 and 2005, with the largest percentage of growth seen among low income and minority children.  

The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M System are two of the largest higher education systems in the nation, with numerous branch campuses. The [[University of Texas at Austin]] is the largest institution in the UT System, while [[Texas A and M University|Texas A&M]] is the flagship of the rival system.  Thanks to ownership of oil fields, their endowments in 2006 reached $13.2 billion and $5.6 billion.

The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M System are two of the largest higher education systems in the nation, with numerous branch campuses. The [[University of Texas at Austin]] is the largest institution in the UT System, while [[Texas A and M University|Texas A&M]] is the flagship of the rival system.  Thanks to ownership of oil fields, their endowments in 2006 reached $13.2 billion and $5.6 billion.

The best endowed private schools were [[Rice University]] in Houston with $4.0 billion, [[Southern Methodist University]] in Dallas ($1.1 billion); Baylor College of Medicine ($1.0 billion; despite its name it is no longer affiliated with [[Baylor University]]), and [[Texas Christian University]] in Ft. Worth ($1.0 billion).  [[Baylor University]], the largest Baptist university in the United States (and possibly the world) is located in Waco.

The best endowed private schools were [[Rice University]] in Houston with $4.0 billion, [[Southern Methodist University]] in Dallas ($1.1 billion); Baylor College of Medicine ($1.0 billion; despite its name it is no longer affiliated with [[Baylor University]]), and [[Texas Christian University]] in Ft. Worth ($1.0 billion).  [[Baylor University]], the largest Baptist university in the United States (and possibly the world), is located in Waco.

==Notable Texans==

==Notable Texans==

*[[Ted Cruz]], Texas Solicitor General, U. S. Senator, and Republican presidential candidate

*[[Ted Cruz]], Texas Solicitor General, U. S. Senator, and Republican presidential candidate

*[[Rick Perry]], a prominent Texas politician, served as Texas Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy

*[[Rick Perry]], a prominent Texas politician, served as Texas Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy

*[[Ron Paul]], U.S. Representative, physician, and notable libertarian-conservative activist, lives and worked in Texas

*[[Ron Paul]], U.S. Representative, physician, and notable libertarian-conservative activist, lived and worked in Texas

*[[Lou Dobbs]], television/radio host and conservative commentator, born and raised in Texas

*[[Lou Dobbs]], television/radio host and conservative commentator, born and raised in Texas

*[[Henry Morris]], hydrologist and prominent [[creation scientist]], born and raised in Texas

*[[Henry Morris]], hydrologist and prominent [[creation scientist]], born and raised in Texas

*[[Chuck Norris]], actor, producer, and conservative/Christian activist lives in Texas

*[[Chuck Norris]], actor, producer, and conservative/Christian activist, lives in Texas

*[[Bill Engvall]], standup comedian

*[[Bill Engvall]], standup comedian

*[[Pat Garrett]], the policeman who shot [[Billy the Kid]], lived in multiple locations in Texas.

*[[Pat Garrett]], the policeman who shot [[Billy the Kid]], lived in multiple locations in Texas.

*[[George Jones]], deceased country, rock, and gospel singer

*[[George Jones]], deceased country, rock, and gospel singer

*[[W. Lee O'Daniel]], governor and U.S. senator; radio broadcaster

*[[W. Lee O'Daniel]], governor and U.S. senator; radio broadcaster

*[[Dan Patrick]], conservative talk radio host and radio station owner, and Texas lieutenant governor

*[[Dan Patrick]], conservative talk radio host and radio station owner and Texas lieutenant governor

*[[Angela Paxton]], state senator

*[[Angela Paxton]], state senator

*[[Ken Paxton]], Texas attorney general since 2015

*[[Ken Paxton]], Texas attorney general since 2015

*[[Ross Perot]], former presidential candidate, lived in Dallas until he died in 2019

*[[Ross Perot]], former presidential candidate who lived in Dallas until he died in 2019

==See also==

==See also==

==Bibliography - Further Reading==

==Bibliography - Further Reading==

*[http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/ The Handbook of Texas Online] ''- Published by the Texas State Historical Association'' thousands of scholarly articles on every aspect of Texas history

*[http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/ The Handbook of Texas Online] ''- Published by the Texas State Historical Association'': thousands of scholarly articles on every aspect of Texas history

* [http://www.texasalmanac.com/ ''texas Almanac'' annual compendium of statistics]

* [http://www.texasalmanac.com/ ''texas Almanac'', annual compendium of statistics]

* Bailey, Alvin R., Jr. and Light Townsend Cummins, eds. ''A Guide to the History of Texas.'' 1988. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=71910759 online edition]

* Bailey, Alvin R., Jr. and Light Townsend Cummins, eds. ''A Guide to the History of Texas.'' 1988. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=71910759 online edition]

* Campbell, Randolph B. ''Gone to Texas: a History of the Lone Star State'' (Oxford University Press, 2003, 500 pages), standard scholarly survey [https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Texas-History-Lone-State/dp/0195138430/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]; also [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103945805 complete online edition]

* Campbell, Randolph B. ''Gone to Texas: a History of the Lone Star State'' (Oxford University Press, 2003, 500 pages), standard scholarly survey [https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Texas-History-Lone-State/dp/0195138430/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-3 excerpt and text search]; also [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103945805 complete online edition]

* Fehrenbach, T. R. ''Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans '' (2007), popular survey [https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-T-R-Fehrenbach/dp/1579125379/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]

* Fehrenbach, T. R. ''Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans'' (2007), popular survey [https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-T-R-Fehrenbach/dp/1579125379/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]

* [[Archie P. McDonald|McDonald, Archie P.]] ''Texas: A Compact History'' (2007) [https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Compact-Archie-P-McDonald/dp/193333715X/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-4 excerpt and text search]  

* [[Archie P. McDonald|McDonald, Archie P.]] ''Texas: A Compact History'' (2007) [https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Compact-Archie-P-McDonald/dp/193333715X/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190683778&sr=8-4 excerpt and text search]  

*Wooster, Ralph A. and [[Robert A. Calvert]], eds. ''Texas Vistas'' (1987) reprinted scholarly essays

*Wooster, Ralph A. and [[Robert A. Calvert]], eds. ''Texas Vistas'' (1987), reprinted scholarly essays

==External links==

==External links==

* [https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/48,54,00 Demographic profile] on [[U.S. Census Bureau]] official website

* [https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/48,54,00 Demographic profile] on [[U.S. Census Bureau]] official website

* [https://www.tshaonline.org/home/ Texas State Historical Association]

* [https://www.tshaonline.org/home/ Texas State Historical Association]

* [http://www.city-data.com/city/Texas.html Texas Cities] via ''city-data.com

* [http://www.city-data.com/city/Texas.html Texas Cities] via ''city-data.com''

==References==

==References==