The state of Texas is the second largest state in the United States, both in population and area. After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas gained statehood in 1845. It is home to some of the largest cities in the United States, including Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
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| Largest City in Texas |
Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, with an estimated city population of 2.1 million people, with 5.54 million people living in the greater Houston area (a as of July 2006). Home to 18 Fortune 500 companies, Houston's economic base is built around energy, technology, aerospace, medicine, and manufacturing.
The city also has many tourist attractions. Its main tourist attraction is the Johnson Space Center, where US astronauts are trained, and where NASA's Mission Control runs manned US space missions, including the International Space Station. It also has attractions like the Houston Zoo, and the George Ranch Historical Park, which is the oldest working ranch in the country. Sports fans can get their fix of Major League Baseball Astros, the NFL's Texans, the NBA's Rockets, the Dynamo (MLS), or minor league hockey with the AHL Eros.
San Antonio
The second largest city in Texas is San Antonio and has more than 1.35 million inhabitants. Its main industries are services, manufacturing and government. The San Antonio area is home to four US military bases: Brooks Air Force Base, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston (a military base).
The Alamo, scene of the famous battle of the Texas Revolution, is located in San Antonio, and is the city's main tourist attraction. The River Walk is an area of the city along the San Antonio River, where tourists can walk along the river and visit the shops, bars and restaurants. Animal lovers can visit Sea World San Antonio, and sports fans can catch a Spurs game or play a round of golf at one of the city's many courses.
Dallas
With an estimated population of over 1.2 million people, Dallas is the third largest city in Texas, and the eighth in the United States. Dallas's largest industries are commerce, transportation, and utilities; professional and business services, and government.
Major Dallas tourist attractions include Six Flags Over Texas/Hurricane Harbor, the Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas Zoo, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which features an exhibit on President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. The city is also home to major league franchises in the NFL (Cowboys), NHL (Stars), NBA (Mavericks), and MLS (FC Dallas), while the Texas Rangers MLB plays in nearby Arlington. Dallas is also home to one of the oldest college football games, the Cotton Bowl.
Austin
The capital of Texas, Austin, was founded in the mid-1800s. The city is the fourth largest city in Texas with more than 700,000 residents. Being the state capital, the government is a major player in the local economy. The University of Texas calls Austin home, making it a college town.
Austin also has a thriving music scene. Every year, the South-by-Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival is held, an event that brings together more than 1,800 bands in a celebration of music, film and interactive exhibits. It is also the home of Austin City Limits, the longest-running music show on American television. Although Austin doesn't have a major league team in any sport, the University of Texas Longhorns allows Austin to get his sports fix.
Fort Worth
The fifth largest city in Texas is Fort Worth, with more than 650,000 inhabitants. As a stop on the Chisholm road, it became a major player in the cattle trade in the 1800s, leading to the construction of the Fort Worth Stockyards. While part of the Mataderos has become an entertainment area with shops, restaurants, and bars, they still have a daily cattle drive, as well as the Fort Worth Stock Show, and rodeos, in honor of their western roots.
Texas Christian University is based in Fort Worth, and Amon G. Carter Stadium is home to the Armed Forces Bowl, as well as Horned Frog football. Racing fans can see their favorite NASCAR and IndyCar drivers at the Texas Motor Speedway, and the PGA Tour hosts the Bank of America Colonial Golf Tournament every year.