Nicknamed The Lone Star State, Texas is the second largest U.S state, and is bordered by the U.S states of New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, along with four Mexican states. Early exploration in the region began with Spanish explorers Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 1680s, the French, led by Robert Cavalier La Salle, made it to the region of Matagorda Bay, where they established a colony, but it failed to survive permanently.

Beginning in 1821, American Stephen F. Austin was instrumental in facilitating the successful settlement of Americans in the region. Texas became an independent state in 1845. In the 1950s, Texas experienced the worst drought in the state’s recorded history, which lasted from 1950-1957. Texas’ agriculture was greatly impacted by the devastating drought, along with its water sources such as lakes and reservoirs.

This map highlights some of the state’s most important industries. Texas remains a leading agricultural state with ranches and farms that produce items such as eggs, poultry, citrus fruits, wheat, dairy products, and pecan. Texas is also a leader in cotton, cattle, oil, and sheep. Approximately 20% of U.S’ beef cattle is produced in Texas, while cotton supports some 29% of the country’s cotton revenues. Oil and gas is also a major economic driver in Texas, producing approximately 1/5 of the country's oil and 1/3 of its supply of natural gas. Other valuable resources in the state include, cement, and water that is responsible for a thriving fishing industry.

The state’s capital of Austin was named after Stephen F. Austin, the founder of the Texas Republic. This bustling city has long attracted diverse cultural groups, and has preserved its past in its architecture, music, landmarks, and stories. Texas’ largest city, Houston, is also known for its rich history as the first permanent capital of the Republic of Texas. Like Austin, Houston is known for its diversity that is representative of the immigrants who call Houston home.

This map is a great learning tool and art piece, and serves as a reminder of some of the best aspect of Texas’ past, as well as an illustration of its surviving history that has shaped Texas into the state that it is today.  

All sizes are approximate.