Texas (IPA: /ˈtɛksəs/) is a state geographically located in the south-central part of the United States, which the Census Bureau places in a sub-region of the U.S. South designated West South Central. It is also known as the Lone Star State.
With an area of 268,820 square miles (696,200 km²) and a rapidly growing population of 23.9 million, as estimated in 2007, spread among 254 counties, Texas is the second largest U.S. state in both area and population. Houston is the largest city. Dallas is the third largest city in Texas, but has the largest metropolitan statistical area, which includes Fort Worth. Other major cities include the state capital of Austin, the state's oldest major city of San Antonio, and the western city of El Paso. Due to its long history as a center of the American cattle industry, Texas is associated throughout much of the world with the image of the cowboy.
The easternmost section of the state is covered by the same piney woods that cover much of the Deep South. Moving westward, this vegetation evolves into semi-forests of oak and cross timbers, then, as the climate gradually becomes more arid, turns into rolling plains and prairie and, eventually, desert in the Big Bend region surrounding El Paso.
Because of its large size and unique history, the regional affiliation of Texas is often debated. Historically and culturally, it has very close ties to the South. However, due to Texas's history as a Spanish colony, its border with Mexico, and its large Latino population, Texas can also be considered a Southwestern state. Nevertheless, while most residents acknowledge these categories, many claim an independent "Texan" identity superseding regional labels.
Spain was the first European country to claim Texas. Starting in the 1820s, North American and European immigrants began arriving in the area, and in 1836 Texas declared its independence from Mexico. It continued as the independent Republic of Texas for nearly a decade. In 1845, it joined the United States as the 28th state. Annexation of Texas led the United States to war with Mexico, leading to the Mexican Cession and helping to plant seeds for the U.S. Civil War. Texas was the 7th state to join the Confederate States of America. Shortly after the start of the 20th century, discovery of oil led to an economic boom in the state and greatly increased funding for higher education. Texas grew rapidly, becoming the second largest state in population by 1994. It has become economically diversified, with a growing base in high technology.
Theocratic buildings in this region
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Texas
- Austin, Maufrais Lane - Kingdom Hall
- Brushy Creek, Round Rock - Kingdom Hall
- Corpus Christi, Virginia Avenue - Kingdom Hall
- Denton - Assembly Hall
- Lockhart - Kingdom Hall
- Odessa, 87th Street - Kingdom Hall
- Rosenberg - Assembly Hall
- San Antonio - Assembly Hall
- Shiner - Kingdom Hall
- South Houston - Kingdom Hall
- Temple - Kingdom Hall