TEXAS

Located in south-central United States, the Lone Star State is the second largest state in both population (some 21 million) and square miles (268,820). Its history goes back to the Native American tribes including the Caddo, Comanche, Cherokee, Wichita, and Apache, who were seen by European (Spanish) eyes for the first time in 1519. Immediately claimed by the Spanish crown and named New Spain, settlers did not follow until Spanish missionaries arrived in 1691. Following the Mexican War of Independence, Texas became a province of Mexico in 1821. At the same time a new influx of European settlers arrived bringing with them new ideas and skills and by 1836 Texas was large enough and strong enough to be able to declare itself a republic. For almost a decade Texans enjoyed their political independence before joining the United States of America as the 28th state in 1845.The Mexican-American War led to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ratified the Mexican Cession: the U.S. paid over $15 million for what amounted to 42 per cent of Mexico. During the American Civil War Texas was one of the leading Confederate States and Texan regiments fought in every major battle of the war. Following the peace Texas was readmitted into the Union in March 1870. Not too long after, in January 1901 the first big oil strike was discovered at Spindletop and Texas started its economic boom. It continues to this day; three of the United States' top ten largest cities-Houston, San Antonio and Dallas - are in Texas. Millions of tourists annually visiting more than 100 state parks, recreation areas, and points of interest such as the Gulf Coast resort area, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, the Alamo in San Antonio, and the Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.This book shows off the magnificent scenery, wonderful climate, thriving economy, and resilient peoples, of one of the most prosperous and comfortable states in the United States.