Facts About Texas That Will Blow You Away
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From the biggest U.S. state to some of the most bizarre laws, here are 10 facts about Texas that will leave you saying, "wow!"
Texas is one of the most interesting states in America. It offers many great things, like cowboys and country music! But when I think about Texas, it also makes me realize how big this place is. There's no shortage of anything you can imagine here at all. Whether it's food or people who love discovering new ways around their backyard, Texas has something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating state.
Texas is The Second-largest State in the U.S.
Texas is a big state. It is the second-largest state in the U.S., behind only Alaska in size. It's so large that it would be the 40th largest country in our world if Texas were its own nation! With more than 268,000 square miles, Texas has more land than every European country and is near twice the size of California.
Texans are proud of their state's large size, often a point of pride for residents. The state's diverse geography includes desert regions, forests, mountains, and coastline. This variety means that there is something for everyone in Texas, whether you're looking for a place to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Texas is also home to several large cities, including Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. With such a mix of urban and rural areas, it's no wonder that Texas is one of the most populous states in the U.S.
The King Ranch is The Largest Ranch in America
The King Ranch is massive! Originally founded in 1853, it now covers over 825,000 acres of land - bigger than the state of Rhode Island! The ranch is so big that it even has its own airport.
Today, the King Ranch is a major agribusiness that profits from cattle ranching, farming, luxury retail goods, and recreational hunting! Not bad for a piece of land that was once primarily empty desert! The King Ranch continues to be an essential part of Texas history and a reminder of the state's wild frontier past.
The First People to Actually Colonize Texas were the French!
Did you know that the French were the first people to colonize Texas? That's right - back in the 18th century, a group of French explorers made their way to present-day Houston and established a colony there. They named it Fort Saint Louis, quickly becoming a thriving community.
However, the colonists eventually conflicted with the local Native American tribes, ultimately destroying the colony. Nevertheless, the French left their mark on Texas history. Their legacy can still be seen in some place names (like Galveston) and food traditions (like gumbo). So next time you're enjoying a bowl of gumbo, remember: you're eating a dish with a long and fascinating history!
The First Frozen Margarita Machine was Invented in Dallas.
In 1971, Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez was looking for a way to make his margaritas more consistently delicious. His solution? A frozen margarita machine. Martinez adapted a soft-serve ice cream machine to make the first margarita slushies, and the Frozen Daiquiri was born.
The blended drinks quickly became a hit at his restaurant. Before long, Martinez's invention was being used all over the world. Today, the frozen margarita is a mainstay of Tex-Mex cuisine, and Dallas can lay claim to this functional machine's birthplace. Cheers!
Check out our history of frozen margarita post for a comprehensive look at the history of frozen margarita machines.
Frito Pie is a Texas thing
If you're ever in Texas and looking for a snack, you'll have no shortage of options.
Frito pie is perhaps the most iconic of these snacks, and it's simply a bag of Fritos (how long do fritos last?) mixed with chili, onions, and cheese. It's usually eaten straight from the bag, making it the perfect on-the-go snack.
The Frito pie is a dish found at many restaurants and sports concession stands, but it's also popular among barbecue lovers. They might top their order with spicy chili or other smoked meats to make for an unforgettable experience! Whether you're at a Little League game or ordering off the menu for your favorite barbecue joint, Frito pie is always sure to hit home runs with its delicious flavors that are perfect any day of the week.
Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas in 1885.
In 1885, a pharmacist named Charles Alderton created a new carbonated beverage in Waco, Texas. He originally intended the drink to be a medicinal tonic, but it quickly became popular as a refreshing soft drink. Dr. Pepper was first sold commercially in 1887 and soon became one of the most popular beverages in the United States.
Today, Dr. Pepper is still made in Texas and remains a popular choice for soda lovers across the country. With its unique flavor, it's no wonder that this delicious soft drink has been around for over 130 years!
The State Capital, Austin, was Voted the Best City to Live in by American Express in 2017.
The state capital, Austin, was voted the best city to live in by American Express in 2017. And it's no wonder - Austin is a vibrant and welcoming city with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. From its lively music scene (earning it the nickname "the live music capital of the world") to its abundance of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in Austin. In addition, the city is home to several excellent restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Whether you're looking for a place to call home or simply looking for a fun place to visit, Austin is sure to please.
It’s Illegal to Milk Someone Else’s Cow!
You could face serious consequences if you're caught milking someone else's cow in Texas. According to state law, it's illegal to milk another person's cow without their permission.
This law is in place to protect the property rights of farmers and ranchers. After all, cows are a valuable commodity, and milking them without permission can be considered theft. In addition, unauthorized milking can spread disease from one animal to another. So if you're thinking about stealing some milk from a neighbor's cow, you'd better think twice - it's not worth the risk.
Texas has more cattle than any other state in the U.S.
Did you know that Texas has more cattle than any other state in the U.S.? In fact, according to the Texas State Historical Association, the Lone Star State is home to nearly one-third of all beef cows in the country. That's a lot of beef!
The history of cattle ranching in Texas is long and fascinating, dating back to the early days of Spanish colonization. These days, cattle ranching is big business in Texas, and the state's beef industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year.
So next time you're enjoying a juicy steak, be sure to give a little extra thanks to those hardworking Texas ranchers.
Texas is home to numerous cattle ranches, several of which are AGA-certified. Find out why this is important and which ones you should check out here.
Texas Means “Friends” in Caddo Indian.
You're not alone if you've ever wondered what the name "Texas" means. It's a common question, and the answer is actually quite interesting. "Texas" comes from the Caddo Indian word "Tejas," which means "friends."
The Caddo were a Native American tribe who lived in what is now East Texas. When the Spanish arrived in the 1600s, they pronounced the word "texas," and the name stuck. Today, Texans are proud to be known as friendly people, and the state's motto is "Friendship."
So next time someone asks you what "Texas" means, you can tell them it's the Caddo word for "friends"!
If you're ever in Texas, be sure to keep these facts in mind. You never know when they might come in handy! And if you're looking for more information on the Lone Star State, check out some of our other TexasRealFood posts. We've got everything from the best BBQ in El Paso to a guide on fun things to do in Texas during summer.
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