Brief History of Texas

By | May 19, 2022

Population: 25,674.681 thousand people (2011)
Area: 696241.0 sq. km

The Lone Star State of Texas is second only to Alaska in territory and California in terms of population. The vast wealth of Texas has made it the leading agricultural, oil and gas, chemical, cattle breeding and financial center of the United States.

The toponym “Texas” is of Spanish origin. He, in turn, is a transformation of the Indian word “ally, friend” – “taisha”.

The southern part – the coast of the Gulf of Mexico – is occupied by plains, where a subtropical humid climate prevails. To the north, the Mexican lowland rises to the Edwards and Llano Estacado plateaus. The spurs of the Rocky Mountains occupy the western regions of Texas.

There are many rivers in Texas. All of them belong to the basin of the Gulf of Maksikan. The Rio Grande with its tributary the Pecos, Brazos, and Mississippi tributary the Red River are the deepest rivers in Texas. On the border with Louisiana, the area is swampy, forests are still preserved in the eastern regions, and the western districts lie in a semi-desert zone. The rest of the territory is occupied by steppes.

Texas was inhabited by Comanche, Cherokee, Apache, Caddo, Kiowa and other tribes. Europeans arrived in 1519 when the coastline was mapped, and in 1528 Nunez de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador, landed in Texas, where he lived for six years. Only in 1682 the first settlement appeared. By the end of the 18th century, most of the territory was part of New Spain, which achieved independence in 1821 under the name of the Mexican Empire. In 1836-46, part of the state belonged to the independent Republic of Texas. After the Mexican-American War, Texas became a US state.

The cultural attractions of Texas are concentrated in large cities. Dallas is famous for its arts district, where many museums, galleries, workshops, parks and gardens, entertainment centers, and hotels are located. Millions of tourists visit the San Antonio waterfront – a cultural and entertainment area with many interesting objects. The architecture of El Paso has Spanish features, and Houston is rich in universities. Many festivals are also held there: automobile, agricultural.

Abilene

Population: 115,300 thousand people (2004)
Area: 286.5 sq. km
Founded: 1881
City status since: 1882
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 524 m

Abilene is located in central Texas, 240 kilometers west on Interstate 20 from Fort Worth and Dallas. The county seat of Taylor. The boundaries of the city are outlined by a ring road, which combines 5 highways diverging in 7 directions. See Texas counties.

In the middle of the 19th century, it was the terminus of the Chisholm railway line in Texas, and therefore was used by the owners of the surrounding ranchers as a point of shipment of their products to Kansas. The beginning of the formation of the modern city is attributed to the period of construction of the transport hub of the Texas-Pacific Railroad. By this time, the surrounding lands were already inhabited by buffalo hunters and retired soldiers from Fort Phantom Hill, who lost their defensive purpose after the Apache Indians left the Texas prairies in 1870.

The center of the oil and agricultural industry of the region. Large shopping center. Since 1914, the city has had its own Chamber of Commerce. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city administration laid the foundations for the development of education. Today, Abilene is home to 3 of the largest universities in the state.

The culture and traditions of Texas pastoralists are actively promoted at the annual city fairs and rodeos. And also in the museums of the wild west, Frontier Texas and Buffalo Gap, where the living conditions and atmosphere of the times of the first cowboys are restored. Historical attractions also include the park of the reconstructed Phantom Hill Fort, in the vicinity of Abilene.

City gems include the art deco 1936 Paramount Theatre, the Grace Museum of Fine Arts, the City Philharmonic, the Taylor County Coliseum, the 12th Armored Division Museum, and 29 Abilene parks.

The tallest building in the city is the 20-story Enterprise Building.

The Abilene Zoo contains several hundred animal species.

Every second Thursday of the month, ArtWalk is held in the city center. At this time, admission to all museums in the city is free. Craft workshops and art galleries often join the action.

AMARILLO

Population: 173,000 thousand people (2008)
Area: 239.9 sq. km
Founded: 1887
City status since: 1892
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5

Amarillo is a city in Potter County, located in the north of the state, on the territory of the so-called Texas salient. This region of the Great Plains is called the Llano Estacado and is characterized by low plateaus and vast valleys. Just 10 kilometers south of Amarillo is the second largest canyon in the United States and the Palo Duro National Park of the same name.

Amarillo is a major transportation hub. Moreover, not only railway lines and highways intersect here, but also pipelines. Amarillo is the most important economic center of Texas. Oil and gas deposits are being developed in the vicinity of the city. The largest deposits of helium were also found here, which is why the inhabitants of the city proclaimed Amarillo “the helium capital of the world.” Developed metallurgy, mechanical engineering, production of equipment for nuclear energy. In addition, Potter County is a significant agricultural center, where the leading place is occupied by animal husbandry, namely cattle breeding.

Amarillo’s history began in 1887 with the construction of a railroad yard from Fort Worth to Denver. At first it was a trading agrarian place. The discovery of oil and gas in the 1920s changed the fortunes of the city. Amarillo is not only an industrial and research center (nuclear and aerospace developments), but also a popular tourist destination.

West of Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch can be seen from the west along Route 40. This is an installation representing a group of up to half of the Cadillacs dug into the ground by the front part. To the east of Amarillo along the same highway is the Big Texan, a famous restaurant and motel where you can taste the famous Texas beef steak. This is a kind of symbol of the district. To the north of Amarillo is a natural and architectural object – Elibates Flint Mines. Mounds are located here, many sites and tools of ancient Indian cultures have been found.

In the city itself, you can visit the Don Harrington research center, on the territory of which there is a bizarre Helium Monument (1968), dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the discovery of this element. Other notable museums in Amarillo include the Museum of Art, the Texas Ledge Historical Museum, the Planetarium, and the American Riding Horse Hall of Fame.

Brief History of Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

History and Climate of Fort Worth, Texas:

History:

  1. Early Settlement and Military Outpost: Fort Worth’s history can be traced back to the mid-19th century when it was established as a military outpost on the Trinity River. Named after Major General William Jenkins Worth, the fort was part of a line of forts built to protect the American frontier during conflicts with Native American tribes.
  2. Cattle and Trading Post: In the late 19th century, Fort Worth became a crucial stop along the Chisholm Trail, a major cattle-driving route. The city’s proximity to the trail and the availability of railroads made it a prime location for cattle drives, earning Fort Worth the nickname “Cowtown.” It evolved into a significant trading post and cattle market, attracting ranchers, cowboys, and traders.
  3. Railroads and Economic Growth: The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1870s marked a turning point for Fort Worth. The city’s strategic location as a crossroads for cattle trails and railroads contributed to its economic growth. Fort Worth quickly became a center for commerce, drawing in settlers and businesses.
  4. Cultural and Educational Development: The city’s cultural and educational institutions began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Fort Worth Public Library was established in 1892, and Texas Christian University (TCU) was founded in 1873. The city’s commitment to education and culture laid the foundation for a diverse and dynamic community.
  5. Aerospace and Aviation: Fort Worth’s role in the aerospace industry gained prominence during World War II. The construction of the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation (later Convair) and the Carswell Air Force Base contributed to the city’s identity as a hub for aviation and defense industries.
  6. Diversification and Modern Growth: In the latter half of the 20th century, Fort Worth diversified its economy, expanding beyond its cattle and oil roots. The city attracted industries such as manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. The development of the Sundance Square entertainment district in the 1980s revitalized the downtown area, fostering cultural and recreational opportunities.
  7. Cultural District and Museums: Fort Worth’s Cultural District, established in 1989, is home to several world-class museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. These institutions contribute to Fort Worth’s cultural richness and draw visitors from around the globe.

Climate:

According to Plus-Size-Tips, Fort Worth, Texas, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, typical of the southern United States.

  1. Summer (June-August): Summers in Fort Worth are hot, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to over 100°F (35-38°C). The region experiences high humidity, and residents often seek relief in air-conditioned spaces. Summer evenings can be warm, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
  2. Fall (September-November): Fall brings a gradual cooling of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C). Fall is a pleasant season with milder temperatures, making it a popular time for outdoor events, festivals, and cultural activities.
  3. Winter (December-February): Winters in Fort Worth are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (13-18°C). While frost and occasional freezing temperatures can occur, snowfall is rare. Winter is a comfortable season for outdoor activities, and the city embraces holiday festivities.
  4. Spring (March-May): Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C). As flowers bloom and trees regain their foliage, Fort Worth experiences a renewal of life. Spring is an inviting time for outdoor events, including concerts, farmers’ markets, and cultural celebrations.

Fort Worth’s climate is characterized by occasional thunderstorms, especially in the spring and early summer, providing much-needed rainfall. Residents and businesses are accustomed to adapting to the variations in weather, including the occasional severe weather events.

Fort Worth, Texas, has a history deeply rooted in its military origins, cattle and trading heritage, and strategic growth as a center for aviation, education, and cultural development. The city’s climate, marked by warm summers and mild winters, complements its diverse economic and cultural offerings, making Fort Worth a vibrant and dynamic place to live and visit.