Texas, is ranked the 2nd largest state, it is located in the south central United States. It is bordered by Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas and Louisiana to the east, Mexico to the south, and New Mexico to the west. The state capital is the city of Austin while the largest city is Houston. The city of Houston also has the distinction of being the fourth largest in the United States. It is popularly known by its nickname, The Lone Star State.

Before being part of the Union, Texas was controlled by other nations. Spain was the first to claim the area. France was another, that had a colony in Texas. Mexico ruled Texas until the sate declared its independence in 1836. In that year, it became the Republic of Texas. During the civil war, it joined the Confederate States. After the war, the state was restored to the Union. These events explain the term “six flags over Texas”.

Texas is primarily known for its oil fields. The first major oil well was discovered south of Beaumont in 1901, which was followed by other oil fields in East Texas, West Texas, and under the Gulf of Mexico. This led to the Oil Boom, which revived the economy. The petroleum industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy up to this day.

Sadly, it was in Texas where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. On November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed the popular 35th President of the United States.