20 Things Texas is Known For

It’s no secret that Texans are incredibly proud of their home state. We can’t really blame them considering how many incredible attractions, recipes, and music have come from the Lone Star State. From delicious barbecue to lively rodeos, there are many memorable things Texas is known for.

To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted several national and local publications including the U.S. News & World Report, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, and CBS Texas. So, without further ado, here are 20 things Texas is known for.

The Size of Texas

• Fact: Texas is the second-largest state in the country

The first thing Texas is known for is the sheer size of the state. As the second-largest state in the country, it’s no surprise why Texans often say, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” This phrase is sometimes used to reference the pride that most Texans have in their state, but it can also address the size of the state itself. Texas is so large that fifteen of the country’s smallest states could fit inside it.

The Alamo

• Fact: The Battle of the Alamo was a significant event in Texas history and took place during the Texas Revolution

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Remember the Alamo,” and Texans do take the time to remember. The Battle of the Alamo is one of the things Texas is known for. This battle took place during the Texas Revolution in 1836. When it comes to things Texas is known for historically, the Battle of the Alamo is one of the first events to come to mind. Today, you can still visit the fortress compound where this battle took place in San Antonio, Texas.

Hot Weather

• Fact: Like many Southern states, Texas is known for its incredibly hot weather

Texas is a part of the South so it’s not surprising that it’s known for its incredibly hot weather. While Texas is so vast in size that the weather can drastically change from one region to the next, the average temperatures during the summer months range from 80-92 degrees. Additionally, it does cool down a bit during the winter, but the average temperatures are rarely lower than 40 degrees.

Rodeos

• Fact: Even though football is a big deal in the Lone Star State, rodeo is the official sport of Texas

The rodeo isn’t just something fun to do in Texas–it’s the official sport. Even though no one actually knows where or when the first rodeo took place, it’s clear that these events have been around for at least 200 years, and they’ve been a significant part of the culture in Texas for a long time as well. A rodeo may seem like a stereotypical Texas thing, but these events are an important part of the culture in Texas.

Country Music

• Fact: Many famous country singers are from Texas, including George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers

There’s no doubt that country music is a necessity for most Texans. Part of it is the culture of Texas as well as the many country music concerts and festivals that take place across the state. But there are also many famous country music stars who are proud Texans themselves. These country musicians include George Strait, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, and LeAnn Rimes, just to name a few.

Tex-Mex

• Fact: Tex-Mex cuisine has become popular across the United States, but this fusion of flavors originated in Texas

Since Texas is such a large state, you’ll notice a shift in the culture depending on where in Texas you go. South Texas is known for the fact that it shares a border with Mexico and this means a lot of the Mexican culture is a part of Texas culture as well. Tex-Mex cuisine has bled into the mainstream culture with popular restaurant chains like Chuy’s, but a trip to South Texas is a sure way to experience authentic Tex-Mex.

Cowboy Culture

• Fact: Cowboy hats, boots, and rodeos are all a significant part of the Texas culture

Texans are no stranger to Western culture—in fact, cowboy culture is ingrained in nearly every aspect of the Lone Star State. It’s not unusual to see Texans sporting cowboy hats and boots or spending time at the rodeo. There are plenty of ways that Texans lean into this culture, but it doesn’t mean you have to wear a cowboy hat to visit Texas. It’s not a bad idea to bring one along, though.

Oil Industry

• Fact: Oil drilling is an important part of the Texas economy and oil is the number one export from Texas

The oil industry isn’t just a part of the Texas economy, it’s also a part of Texas history. Oil drilling in Texas has impacted the local and national economy in numerous ways. Texas produces more oil than any other state, which has helped to put cities like Houston on the map, so to speak. Oil companies in Texas typically produce over 1 billion barrels per year.

Big Bend National Park

• Fact: Big Bend National Park has over 500,000 visitors every year and is home to more than 800,000 acres of land

National Parks are a great way to preserve beautiful land across the country. Another thing Texas is known for is some of its beautiful national parks. Big Bend National Park is one of the most well-known in the state and has over 500,000 visitors each year. It was officially established as a national park in 1944.

Dallas Cowboys

• Fact: Even though rodeo is the official sport of Texas, the state is also known for football teams like the Dallas Cowboys

Texas sports aren’t just about bull riding. Football is also a big deal in Texas. Many Texans would tell you that football is not a sport, it’s a lifestyle. When it comes to football, Texas is often known for the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Cowboys aren’t the only popular team in Texas, they do have devoted fans all across the state and across the country.

Texas State Capitol

• Fact: The Texas State Capitol is located in Austin and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark

If you’re a fan of Texas history and architecture, you’re likely familiar with the Texas State Capitol. Although there have been three other buildings in Texas history that served the purpose of being the seat of government, the current Texas capitol building is a National Historic Landmark. The original design was constructed in the late 1800s and a large extension was added in the 90s.

Six Flags

• Fact: There are four different Six Flags locations in Texas with the most well-known being Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington

Even though there are four different Six Flags locations across the great state of Texas, Six Flags Over Texas was the first Six Flags theme park. This theme park first opened in 1961 and it’s the theme park Texas is known for. It’s definitely worth visiting for anyone passing through the state. Six Flags Over Texas currently has 13 roller coasters and three water rides.

Austin, Texas

• Fact: Austin is the fourth largest city in Texas and is known for its thriving music and art scene

As far as Texas cities go, Austin is the fourth largest right behind Dallas. But even though Austin isn’t the largest city in Texas, it’s one of the most well-known cities in the state. Austin is known for the thriving food, music, and art scene. Often called the live music capital of the world, there’s always something to do or see in Austin. However, the culture there is a stark contrast to the rest of Texas.

Dallas, Texas

• Fact: Dallas is the third largest city in Texas with over 1 million residents

Dallas, Texas is another one of the largest cities in the state with over 1 million residents. There are plenty of things Dallas is known for from professional sports teams to delicious barbecue. It’s a great place to visit and you can learn a lot about Texas history from Dallas. As the third largest city in the state, there are plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and museums to visit.

Dr. Pepper

• Fact: Dr. Pepper was created in Waco, Texas and first sold in 1885

Dr. Pepper is a soda that people across the country have come to know and love, but it’s especially well-known in Texas where this drink first originated. Pharmacist Charles Alderton of Waco, Texas was the first to experiment with the flavors that led to Dr. Pepper. He ended up naming the drink after the father of a woman he loved, and Dr. Pepper has now become a necessary part of the culture in Texas.

NASA

• Fact: Texas is sometimes called Space City because of the Johnson Space Center in Houston

The Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas is a major center for NASA. This center was established in 1961 and was originally opened as a place for the Space Task Group to come together. Originally known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, this well-known space center was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973.

State Fair of Texas

• Fact: The State Fair of Texas takes place in Dallas and is the largest state fair in the United States

Every state has festivals and events that it’s known for. One of the annual events Texas is known for is the State Fair of Texas. With over 2.25 million visitors each year, it’s the largest state fair in the country. This fair takes place in Dallas between September and October. At the fair, you can take a picture with Big Tex or enjoy some tasty, fried Texas fair food.

Guns

• Fact: In Texas, those who are eligible and at least 21 years old can carry a gun without a permit

Considering the cowboy culture that exists in Texas, it’s not surprising that Texas is one of the most gun-friendly states. In the state of Texas, a person who qualifies under the law can carry a gun without a permit. Some of the qualifications include being at least 21 years old and not having any recent convictions or previous felonies. Surprisingly, there are several states with more lenient gun laws than Texas, including Arizona and New Hampshire.

Rattlesnakes

• Fact: There are many varieties of rattlesnakes in Texas and most Texans know how to handle them

Those who live in cooler climates typically aren’t used to seeing rattlesnakes slithering around. However, Texas has the perfect climate for these poisonous snakes to thrive. Even though rattlesnakes are dangerous, most of the time, they’ll stay away from humans unless they feel threatened. Considering all the varieties of rattlesnakes in Texas, it’s no wonder the state is known for them.

Delicious Barbecue

• Fact: There are many different types of barbecue but Texas barbecue is unique to the Lone Star State

While barbecue itself didn’t originate in Texas, Texas has its own form of barbecue that residents are incredibly proud of. They’re so proud of it that it’s best not to claim any other style of barbecue is superior to Texas style. Not only are the methods of Texas Barbecue unique but there are even distinct styles within the state such as East Texas or West Texas barbecue. (If you want to fit in during a visit to Texas, check out 25 slang and phrases only southerners understand.)