In June 1997, rodeo officially became the sport of Texas following a resolution that was passed by the state legislatures. Rodeos grew from informal competition among cowboys during the annual roundup and branding of cattle. Today rodeos have standardized events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and bull riding.

Longhorns, characterized by their distinctive curved horns, played a crucial role in the Texas cattle industry during the 19th century, as they were well-suited to the challenging conditions of the state, including its rough terrain and harsh climate. The cattle drives and ranching culture of Texas became iconic symbols of the American West, and Longhorns are often seen in parades, rodeos, and other events celebrating Texas culture. They also serve as the mascot of The University of Texas.

There are about seven thousand lakes scattered across Texas, the majority of which are found in the wetter eastern third of the state.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas in 1890 but moved to Kansas as a toddler and did not return to the Lone Star State until he was stationed there as a second lieutenant in the Army. Lyndon B. Johnson, on the other hand, was a Texan through and through. He was born near Stonewall, Texas, in a small farmhouse on the Pedernales River, grew up and went to college at what is now Texas State University, and later served as a U.S. representative and U.S. senator from Texas. Two more presidents, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, established political careers in Texas, but both were born in New England.

"Texas" comes from the Caddo Native American word for "teyshas", which means "friends".

The Dallas Texans played in the National Football League (NFL) for one season, 1952, with a record of 1-11. Eight years later, the American Football League would have a 1960 charter member team named the Dallas Texans (who later became the Kansas City Chiefs).

Texas Toast, which has been called "barbecue's answer to garlic bread", is thicker than regular sliced bread, often twice as thick. Because everything's bigger in Texas!

John F. Kennedy was shot and killed on November 22, 1963, while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas. This tragic event had a profound impact on the United States and the world, leading to investigations, conspiracy theories, and historical significance that still resonate to this day.

The handheld electronic calculator, as we know it today, was developed by Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas Instruments, in the 1960s. Kilby's invention laid the foundation for the miniaturization of electronic components and helped pave the way for modern computing devices.

Texas is located in an area known as Tornado Alley, which is characterized by a high frequency of tornadoes due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. On average, the state records around 140 to 150 tornadoes annually, making it one of the most tornado-prone states in the U.S.