Texas is the second-largest US state by area and population, a land of dramatic contrasts—from Gulf Coast beaches and piney woods to desert mountains and rolling Hill Country. Home to four of America's largest cities, a legendary BBQ culture, deep cowboy heritage, and the world-famous Austin music scene, Texas offers travelers an astonishing range of experiences under its vast open skies.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Texas.
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1
Pre-European Era (10,000 BCE - 1519 CE)
Native American peoples inhabited Texas for at least 12,000 years. Major groups included the Caddo (sophisticated agricultural society in East Texas), Comanche (dominant horseback warriors of the Plains), Apache (ranging across West and Central Texas), Karankawa (Gulf Coast), Wichita, Tonkawa, Coahuiltecan (South Texas), and numerous others.
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2
Spanish Colonial Era (1519-1821)
Spanish explorers began arriving in Texas in 1519 when Alonso Álvarez de Pineda mapped the Gulf Coast. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's 1540-42 expedition crossed Texas in search of the Seven Cities of Gold. The Spanish established Catholic missions to convert Native peoples and presidios (forts) to control the territory. Texas became part of New Spain.
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3
Mexican Rule (1821-1836)
After Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, Texas became the state of Coahuila y Texas within Mexico. Mexico encouraged American immigration under empresario contracts. Stephen F. Austin (the 'Father of Texas') led colonization, bringing thousands of American settlers. Tensions grew over slavery (Mexico banned it in 1829), cultural differences, and Santa Anna's 1835 centralization of power.
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4
Texas Revolution (1835-1836)
The Texas Revolution was a brief but ferocious conflict between Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna and Texan rebels. The siege and fall of the Alamo (February 23-March 6, 1836) became the defining moment of Texas mythology. 'Remember the Alamo!' rallied Texans to decisive victory at San Jacinto.
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5
Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
Texas existed as an independent nation for nearly 10 years—a period of immense pride in Texas identity. Sam Houston served as president. The republic struggled with debt, Comanche raids on the frontier, and diplomatic recognition. Texas finally joined the United States on December 29, 1845, as the 28th state.
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6
US Statehood and Growth (1845-1861)
Texas grew rapidly as a cotton-producing slave state. German and Czech immigrants settled the Hill Country, creating distinct communities. The US-Mexico border conflicts continued through the Mexican-American War. Texas's size created both opportunity and challenges.
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7
Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1875)
Texas seceded from the Union on March 2, 1861 (ironically, Texas Independence Day). Texas served as a major supplier of cotton and beef to the Confederacy and hosted significant Union prisoner of war camps. Juneteenth—June 19, 1865—marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two months after Confederate surrender.
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8
Cowboys, Cattle Drives, and Indian Wars (1865-1900)
The post-Civil War decades defined the Texas mythology that persists today. The Chisholm Trail carried millions of longhorn cattle from Texas to Kansas railheads. Buffalo were slaughtered to destruction. The US Army waged the Red River War (1874) against Comanche, Kiowa, and Cheyenne, ending Plains Indian resistance. The last free Comanche bands surrendered in 1875.
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9
Oil Boom (1901-1940s)
The Spindletop oil gusher near Beaumont on January 10, 1901 transformed Texas and the world. The 'Lucas Gusher' produced more oil in a single day than all US oil wells combined. Texas oil fueled World War I and II, funded public education through the Permanent School Fund, and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in America.
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10
World War II and Post-War (1940s-1960s)
Texas hosted more military training bases than any other state during WWII. The oil and defense industries made Texas prosperous. Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texas senator and later president, shaped America's 1960s Great Society programs. The space program at Houston's Johnson Space Center put humans on the moon.
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11
Modern Texas (1970s-Present)
Texas transformed from an agricultural/oil economy to a diverse economic powerhouse. Austin became a global technology hub (Dell, Apple, Tesla relocated headquarters). Houston is the global energy capital. Dallas-Fort Worth is a major financial and corporate center. Texas has grown from 11 million people in 1970 to 30+ million today.
Museums
Curated collections that tell Texas's story.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Texas's premier history museum with three floors of permanent exhibits covering all eras of Texas history, plus an IMAX theater.
Admission: $13 adult, $9 child
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Chronicles the legendary Texas Rangers law enforcement agency—the oldest state police force in the US (established 1823).
Admission: $8 adult, $4 child