To obtain this point: You must celebrate Juneteenth holiday.
Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. This holiday has now spread throughout the US and is recognized as a state holiday in Texas. The history goes something like this: The Emancipation was in 1862, but the civil war was ravaging the US. On June 18th 1865 the Union army arrived in Galveston to take possession of the state of Texas. The next day General Gordon Granger read 'General Order No. 3' from the balcony of Ashton Villa that stated that slavery was abolished.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that the name "Juneteenth" is for a combination of June 18th and 19th (I guess they could not decide which day was better).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Point #50- Fort Worth...Cowboying still today
To obtain this point: One must visit the fine town of Fort Worth and visit the stockyards.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are another National Historic District that celebrates the cattle culture that was prevalent in Texas in the last 19th and early 20th centuries.
For more info: http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the Fort Worth Stockyards still have daily cattle drives.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are another National Historic District that celebrates the cattle culture that was prevalent in Texas in the last 19th and early 20th centuries.
For more info: http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the Fort Worth Stockyards still have daily cattle drives.
Point #49- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
To obtain this point: One must visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, buy some Texas Bluebonnets, and spread them close to your home.
I would recommend the spring as an excellent time to visit this 279 acre park. It is a park designed to protect and preserve North America's native plant species.
For more info: http://www.wildflower.org/
Enjoy Texas...
I would recommend the spring as an excellent time to visit this 279 acre park. It is a park designed to protect and preserve North America's native plant species.
For more info: http://www.wildflower.org/
Enjoy Texas...
Point #48- Texas State History Museum
To obtain this point: One must visit the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
This museum to the 'Story of Texas' is a must-see in Austin for any Texanacious person. It is named for former Lt Governor Bob Bullock who was a staunch supporter of its concept.
More info: http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
Enjoy Texas...
This museum to the 'Story of Texas' is a must-see in Austin for any Texanacious person. It is named for former Lt Governor Bob Bullock who was a staunch supporter of its concept.
More info: http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
Enjoy Texas...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Point #47- Attend an Indian Pow wow
To obtain this point: One must attend an Indian Pow wow.
- My preference would be the Grand Prarie National Championship Indian Pow Wow.
Texas is filled with history, culture, and influence from the Native Americans. Before European settlers, there were many Native American tribes that lived in Texas. These tribes included the Apaches, Kiowas, Caddo, Jumanos, Comanches, Tonkawas, Coahuiltecans, Atakapans, Patarabueyes, and Karankawas...and these were just the tribes that were around when the Europeans arrived in Texas. Other groups that were later displaced to Texas included the Cherokee, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Coushattas.
For information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0016.pdf
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the name 'Texas' comes from a Caddo word meaning 'friend'.
- My preference would be the Grand Prarie National Championship Indian Pow Wow.
Texas is filled with history, culture, and influence from the Native Americans. Before European settlers, there were many Native American tribes that lived in Texas. These tribes included the Apaches, Kiowas, Caddo, Jumanos, Comanches, Tonkawas, Coahuiltecans, Atakapans, Patarabueyes, and Karankawas...and these were just the tribes that were around when the Europeans arrived in Texas. Other groups that were later displaced to Texas included the Cherokee, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Coushattas.
For information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0016.pdf
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the name 'Texas' comes from a Caddo word meaning 'friend'.
Point #46- Watching Texas! at Palo Duro
To obtain this point: One must visit the Palo Duro canyon and watch the musical drama Texas!
How cool is this for the Road to Texanacity!? How many other states have a musical named after their state? (I know, I know...damn you Oklahoma!!!) However, I betcha the folks in Oklahoma did not spend 50 million years carving out a amphitheater for their musical to be seen under the stars...Take that Okies!
Anyways, In the middle of a natural amphitheater that is nestled in a basin in Palo Duro State Park there is a show about the history and determination of pioneer Texans. During this show, there is music, singing, dancing, fireworks that combine to tell the story of pioneers in the Texas Panhandle. It is also one of the longest running musical dramas in the US (over 40 seasons). Before the show, you can even have a dinner from the Big Texan (see point number 28).
Information from the website for this musical: http://www.texas-show.com/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the Palo Duro canyon is the second biggest in the US (behind the Grand Canyon).
How cool is this for the Road to Texanacity!? How many other states have a musical named after their state? (I know, I know...damn you Oklahoma!!!) However, I betcha the folks in Oklahoma did not spend 50 million years carving out a amphitheater for their musical to be seen under the stars...Take that Okies!
Anyways, In the middle of a natural amphitheater that is nestled in a basin in Palo Duro State Park there is a show about the history and determination of pioneer Texans. During this show, there is music, singing, dancing, fireworks that combine to tell the story of pioneers in the Texas Panhandle. It is also one of the longest running musical dramas in the US (over 40 seasons). Before the show, you can even have a dinner from the Big Texan (see point number 28).
Information from the website for this musical: http://www.texas-show.com/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the Palo Duro canyon is the second biggest in the US (behind the Grand Canyon).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Point #45- Laredo...Truly on the Border
To obtain this point: One must visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum in Laredo and realize the strife that has been associated with this border town since its inception.
It seems that Laredo has always been on the border (of the map and as a group of people). When it was a Spanish colony, it was on the Northern border of the colony of Nuevo Santander. It was literally 'in the middle of nowhere' of the Spanish Empire.
As the revolutionary spirit flowed through Anglo Texas in the 19th century, Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 creating the Republic of the Rio Grande. Mexico squashed the rebellion and retook Laredo. During part of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), it was retaken by the Americans and occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war was over and the Rio Grande was established as the border, the folks in Laredo petitioned the American occupying military to be given back to Mexico...huh?
So let me get this right, the fine folks in Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 because they couldn't get along the Mexicans and then after 8 years of fighting, petitioned to get back into Mexico. I'm confused?
Anyways, the petition was refused, so many people just packed up their families and moved across the Rio Grande to form Nuevo Laredo (brilliant name!) The fighting did not stop at that time though. In the 1910s (during the Mexican Revolution), Nuevo Laredo was burned and many folks immigrated back over the border to Laredo. Unfortunately, the fighting continues today as violence from drug-related activities.
In addition to having a history of border disputes and violence, Laredo also relies on its border location as a place for trade. During the Civil War, it was a hotspot for cotton trade with Mexico. Today, a major part of the economy is international trade with Mexico.
For more information: http://www.webbheritage.org/riograndehistory.htm
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the origin of the name 'Laredo' is unclear. Some think it comes from the word glaterum meaning 'sandy, rocky place'. Others believe if comes from a Basque word meaning 'beautiful pasture'. I personally would pick the Basque origin if I was deciding. Doesn't 'beautiful pasture' seem quite inviting for such a violent place?
It seems that Laredo has always been on the border (of the map and as a group of people). When it was a Spanish colony, it was on the Northern border of the colony of Nuevo Santander. It was literally 'in the middle of nowhere' of the Spanish Empire.
As the revolutionary spirit flowed through Anglo Texas in the 19th century, Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 creating the Republic of the Rio Grande. Mexico squashed the rebellion and retook Laredo. During part of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), it was retaken by the Americans and occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war was over and the Rio Grande was established as the border, the folks in Laredo petitioned the American occupying military to be given back to Mexico...huh?
So let me get this right, the fine folks in Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 because they couldn't get along the Mexicans and then after 8 years of fighting, petitioned to get back into Mexico. I'm confused?
Anyways, the petition was refused, so many people just packed up their families and moved across the Rio Grande to form Nuevo Laredo (brilliant name!) The fighting did not stop at that time though. In the 1910s (during the Mexican Revolution), Nuevo Laredo was burned and many folks immigrated back over the border to Laredo. Unfortunately, the fighting continues today as violence from drug-related activities.
In addition to having a history of border disputes and violence, Laredo also relies on its border location as a place for trade. During the Civil War, it was a hotspot for cotton trade with Mexico. Today, a major part of the economy is international trade with Mexico.
For more information: http://www.webbheritage.org/riograndehistory.htm
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the origin of the name 'Laredo' is unclear. Some think it comes from the word glaterum meaning 'sandy, rocky place'. Others believe if comes from a Basque word meaning 'beautiful pasture'. I personally would pick the Basque origin if I was deciding. Doesn't 'beautiful pasture' seem quite inviting for such a violent place?
Point #44- Corpus Christi...City by the sea
To obtain this point: One must visit Corpus Christi and spend some time with the dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium.
There are many texanacious experiences that can be found in Corpus and evirons. There is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world (Padre National Seashore), Mustang Island, the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, and also the birthplace of Whataburger (another Texas favorite).
The Texas State Aquarium has dolphins, seemily every fish underwater, sea turtles, playful otters, and even a bald eagle. It is a location for a fun day with friends or family.
For more underwater info: http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Corpus Christi was the first major US city to offer city-wide WI-FI.
There are many texanacious experiences that can be found in Corpus and evirons. There is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world (Padre National Seashore), Mustang Island, the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, and also the birthplace of Whataburger (another Texas favorite).
The Texas State Aquarium has dolphins, seemily every fish underwater, sea turtles, playful otters, and even a bald eagle. It is a location for a fun day with friends or family.
For more underwater info: http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Corpus Christi was the first major US city to offer city-wide WI-FI.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Point #43- Abilene...Settling the Old West
To obtain this point: One must visit Buffalo Gap Historical Village
- Caveat #1- You could also go to Frontier Texas!, which is a multimedia museum of the Old West in downtown Abilene.
Buffalo Gap was originally an important location because it was a common place for Buffalo to navigate between two mountains. Twice a year, the buffalo would cross this gap like a sea brown...and you know what they say, "Where there are buffalo, there are hunters!" Therefore, the Tonkawa and Comanche Indians would frequent this area when hunting.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is located a couple miles outside Abilene and is large museum of the Old West. It includes 15 different outdoor structures from the period when Abilene was the frontier (1875-1925).
For more Buffalo Gap info: http://www.buffalogap.com/index.html
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Abilene is the home of 3 time National Champion Jump Rope team-- the Jammin' Jumpers.
- Caveat #1- You could also go to Frontier Texas!, which is a multimedia museum of the Old West in downtown Abilene.
Buffalo Gap was originally an important location because it was a common place for Buffalo to navigate between two mountains. Twice a year, the buffalo would cross this gap like a sea brown...and you know what they say, "Where there are buffalo, there are hunters!" Therefore, the Tonkawa and Comanche Indians would frequent this area when hunting.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is located a couple miles outside Abilene and is large museum of the Old West. It includes 15 different outdoor structures from the period when Abilene was the frontier (1875-1925).
For more Buffalo Gap info: http://www.buffalogap.com/index.html
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Abilene is the home of 3 time National Champion Jump Rope team-- the Jammin' Jumpers.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Point #42-The Texas State Railroad
To obtain this point: You must take a ride on the Texas State Railroad.
The Texas State Railroad was started in 1881 to bring hardwood timber to the Rusk Penitentiary. At the penitentiary, the hardwood was used as fuel to power the furnace that smelted iron for the State of Texas. This iron smelter created some of the columns and dome for the State Capitol building. The line eventually ran from Rusk to Palestine, where it joined additional lines. In 2003, the Texas State Railroad became the Official Railroad of Texas.
Today, the railroad is operated by American Heritage Railway and provides an opportunity for folks to take a ride on a vintage railroad. It allows guests to see the woods of East Texas as the steam engine chugs along the rail.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the State penitentiary in Rusk became a state mental hospital after closing in 1913.
The Texas State Railroad was started in 1881 to bring hardwood timber to the Rusk Penitentiary. At the penitentiary, the hardwood was used as fuel to power the furnace that smelted iron for the State of Texas. This iron smelter created some of the columns and dome for the State Capitol building. The line eventually ran from Rusk to Palestine, where it joined additional lines. In 2003, the Texas State Railroad became the Official Railroad of Texas.
Today, the railroad is operated by American Heritage Railway and provides an opportunity for folks to take a ride on a vintage railroad. It allows guests to see the woods of East Texas as the steam engine chugs along the rail.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the State penitentiary in Rusk became a state mental hospital after closing in 1913.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Point #41- San Antonio...Deep in the Heart of Texas
To Obtain this point: One must take a stroll in downtown San Antonio and revisit the history of this great Texas city.
In my attempt to be Texanacious, I love visiting San Antonio. Talk about the history and culture!! If you ever stumble into a tourist hyperventilating on the streets of this Texan gem, it might be me trying to decide what to do next. Just give me a brown paper bag and tell me to breath deeply.
Here are a couple things on my picture perfect itinerary (notice the Alamo is not on it...that has an entire point on its own):
The River Walk (AKA Paseo De Rio)- A collection of walkways, bridges, and waterways that are surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. The River Walk has become a huge tourist attraction, but is still a pleasant place to enjoy in downtown San Antonio.
The Menger Hotel- Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel has housed many famous People- including O. Henry, Robert E Lee, Ulysses S Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, Babe Ruth, Oscar Wilde, and Richard King (King's Ranch founder). It was the location of the first demonstration of 'barbed wire' and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Texas with a count of 32 ghosts(including Richard King). There are so many ghosts in the hotel, that you better get your reservations early!
Buckhorn Saloon- Started in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon is now a staple of downtown San Antonio. It is a saloon/cafe, museum, and curio store all-in-one. In the early years, the owners would barter beer or whiskey for deer antlers and rattlesnake rattles...how Texanacious! The other oddities in the Buckhorn include a cathedral made of 50,000 matches, an eight-legged calf, the longest set of horns from a Texas Longhorn, and the Hall of Horns with more than 1,200 trophy mounts. A waitress might even come up to you in the museum and see if you want a Lone Star beer.
Institute of Texan Culture- There is an abundance of cultures represented in this museum. Spend some time there and try to understand why the say "Texas one and all!"
Spanish Governor's Palace- This is another National Historic Landmark! It was originally designed in the 1700s as a Spanish outpost (not to house the governor as the name implies) to protect the Alamo and its surrounding colony. It is build in Spanish Colonial style and thought to be the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that Teddy Roosevelt went to the Menger Hotel to recruit soldiers for his 'Rough Riders'...good choice Teddy! I bet that the future president was happy to be rubbing elbows with some Texans as he charged San Juan Hill in Cuba.
In my attempt to be Texanacious, I love visiting San Antonio. Talk about the history and culture!! If you ever stumble into a tourist hyperventilating on the streets of this Texan gem, it might be me trying to decide what to do next. Just give me a brown paper bag and tell me to breath deeply.
Here are a couple things on my picture perfect itinerary (notice the Alamo is not on it...that has an entire point on its own):
The River Walk (AKA Paseo De Rio)- A collection of walkways, bridges, and waterways that are surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. The River Walk has become a huge tourist attraction, but is still a pleasant place to enjoy in downtown San Antonio.
The Menger Hotel- Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel has housed many famous People- including O. Henry, Robert E Lee, Ulysses S Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, Babe Ruth, Oscar Wilde, and Richard King (King's Ranch founder). It was the location of the first demonstration of 'barbed wire' and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Texas with a count of 32 ghosts(including Richard King). There are so many ghosts in the hotel, that you better get your reservations early!
Buckhorn Saloon- Started in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon is now a staple of downtown San Antonio. It is a saloon/cafe, museum, and curio store all-in-one. In the early years, the owners would barter beer or whiskey for deer antlers and rattlesnake rattles...how Texanacious! The other oddities in the Buckhorn include a cathedral made of 50,000 matches, an eight-legged calf, the longest set of horns from a Texas Longhorn, and the Hall of Horns with more than 1,200 trophy mounts. A waitress might even come up to you in the museum and see if you want a Lone Star beer.
Institute of Texan Culture- There is an abundance of cultures represented in this museum. Spend some time there and try to understand why the say "Texas one and all!"
Spanish Governor's Palace- This is another National Historic Landmark! It was originally designed in the 1700s as a Spanish outpost (not to house the governor as the name implies) to protect the Alamo and its surrounding colony. It is build in Spanish Colonial style and thought to be the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that Teddy Roosevelt went to the Menger Hotel to recruit soldiers for his 'Rough Riders'...good choice Teddy! I bet that the future president was happy to be rubbing elbows with some Texans as he charged San Juan Hill in Cuba.
Point #40- Visit the San Antonio Missions
To Obtain this point: One must attend a mass at Mission San Jose while visiting the missions in San Antonio.
Missions were the outposts of Spanish Colonization throughout the Spanish Empire. The idea was to try to convert local natives to Catholicism; however, missions really became the furthermost outposts of the Spanish colonies. They were administrative hubs, military forts (as seen with the Alamo), agricultural markets, and churches. The San Antonio Missions is a part of the National Park System and includes 5 missions (including the Alamo as the 5th). They extend from downtown San Antonio southwards.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the San Antonio AA baseball team is the San Antonio Missions and they have an unofficial mascot...Henry the Puffy Taco.
Missions were the outposts of Spanish Colonization throughout the Spanish Empire. The idea was to try to convert local natives to Catholicism; however, missions really became the furthermost outposts of the Spanish colonies. They were administrative hubs, military forts (as seen with the Alamo), agricultural markets, and churches. The San Antonio Missions is a part of the National Park System and includes 5 missions (including the Alamo as the 5th). They extend from downtown San Antonio southwards.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the San Antonio AA baseball team is the San Antonio Missions and they have an unofficial mascot...Henry the Puffy Taco.
Point # 39- South Padre Island
To obtain this point: One must visit South Padre Island and enjoy the life as a beach bum for a couple days.
South Padre Island is known as a spring break town for co-eds during the spring and a family vacation resort during the summer. It is filled with miles and miles of beautiful beach. You can ride a horse on the beach, visit sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc, make sand castles, do an eco-tour, or just lounge around on the beach with a margarita and good book.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Ila Fox Loetscher (known as the Turtle Lady) frequently dressed up turtles even when visiting Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show'.
South Padre Island is known as a spring break town for co-eds during the spring and a family vacation resort during the summer. It is filled with miles and miles of beautiful beach. You can ride a horse on the beach, visit sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc, make sand castles, do an eco-tour, or just lounge around on the beach with a margarita and good book.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Ila Fox Loetscher (known as the Turtle Lady) frequently dressed up turtles even when visiting Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show'.
Point #38- Texas Art Museums
To obtain this point: One must visit the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth.
Caveat #1- Texas is filled with great Art Museums so it would be okay to go to some of the other world class museums-- Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth), Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas), Houston Fine Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, or the Menil Collection in Houston.
The state of Texas is full of quality art museums. Each of the large cities in Texas have their own gem. The Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth has a fine collection of Fredric Remington and Charles M. Russell, who were two artists that told the story of the American West (and therefore...a lot in Texas). When you think of Western art (the buffaloes, cowboys, or Old West Shoot-outs)...you think of Fredric Remington and his enormous collection.
The other aspect of the Texas art scene is to realize where the money for this comes from. To support thriving art museums, you need patrons. Texas has an abundance of wealthy patrons that support the arts and have established a strong appreciation to the arts.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Amon Carter was a famous Fort Worth patron of the arts who was involved in advertising, aviation, and (of course) oil in the early 1900s.
Caveat #1- Texas is filled with great Art Museums so it would be okay to go to some of the other world class museums-- Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth), Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas), Houston Fine Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, or the Menil Collection in Houston.
The state of Texas is full of quality art museums. Each of the large cities in Texas have their own gem. The Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth has a fine collection of Fredric Remington and Charles M. Russell, who were two artists that told the story of the American West (and therefore...a lot in Texas). When you think of Western art (the buffaloes, cowboys, or Old West Shoot-outs)...you think of Fredric Remington and his enormous collection.
The other aspect of the Texas art scene is to realize where the money for this comes from. To support thriving art museums, you need patrons. Texas has an abundance of wealthy patrons that support the arts and have established a strong appreciation to the arts.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Amon Carter was a famous Fort Worth patron of the arts who was involved in advertising, aviation, and (of course) oil in the early 1900s.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Point #37: Caddo Lake
To obtain this point: One must visit Caddo Lake.
Caddo lake is a bayou-like reserve that spans over 25,000 acres and sits on the Eastern border of Texas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. Caddo Lake is known for its bass fishing and is the largest Cypress forest in the World (with some trees thought to be over 400 years old...that is big-time old!)
Caddo Lake is named after Native Americans who lived in that area during the European exploration of Texas. They believe that the lake formed during a flood in the early 1800s that filled the bayou and caused the lake. Another possible cause of it's birth is from a large log jam that plugged the Red River and formed the lake.
Even though the true history of Caddo lake is unknown, it remains a creepy place. It is known for its multitude of Bigfoot sightings in recent years. However, my favorite story of Caddo lake comes from a local city named Uncertain. Uncertain, TX got its name because it collected the lost packages that were headed to or from New Orleans. If a package had lost it's tag on it's way down river to New Orleans, it would be brought to Uncertain. I feel like this would be a place like the Land of Misfit Toys in Christmas stories. Anything that was lost would be brought to Uncertain so it could live out its days in a town that really knew how that felt. Anyways, there are just a handful of people living there and I'm sure they have heard all the corny jokes that comes with living in an uncertain town.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Jefferson, TX on lake Caddo was the second largest port in Texas (behind Galveston) for a time in the 19th century.
Caddo lake is a bayou-like reserve that spans over 25,000 acres and sits on the Eastern border of Texas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. Caddo Lake is known for its bass fishing and is the largest Cypress forest in the World (with some trees thought to be over 400 years old...that is big-time old!)
Caddo Lake is named after Native Americans who lived in that area during the European exploration of Texas. They believe that the lake formed during a flood in the early 1800s that filled the bayou and caused the lake. Another possible cause of it's birth is from a large log jam that plugged the Red River and formed the lake.
Even though the true history of Caddo lake is unknown, it remains a creepy place. It is known for its multitude of Bigfoot sightings in recent years. However, my favorite story of Caddo lake comes from a local city named Uncertain. Uncertain, TX got its name because it collected the lost packages that were headed to or from New Orleans. If a package had lost it's tag on it's way down river to New Orleans, it would be brought to Uncertain. I feel like this would be a place like the Land of Misfit Toys in Christmas stories. Anything that was lost would be brought to Uncertain so it could live out its days in a town that really knew how that felt. Anyways, there are just a handful of people living there and I'm sure they have heard all the corny jokes that comes with living in an uncertain town.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Jefferson, TX on lake Caddo was the second largest port in Texas (behind Galveston) for a time in the 19th century.
Point #36: Texas Economy
To obtain this point: One must understand and appreciate the economic powerhouse that is Texas.
Guess which state has the most Fortune 500 companies for 2009? California? New York (and Wall Street)? Nope! It is (as you probably have already guessed) TEXAS!
There are 64 current Fortune 500 companies within Texas, including 3 in the top ten (Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and AT&T). New York is a distant second place with 56 companies.
If Texas were to secede from the Union, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The economy of Texas is currently powered by a variety of industries- Agriculture, Aeronautics, Defense, Computer Technology, Energy, Tourism, Entertainment, and Health Care. It leads all US states in exports while being home to the 6th largest Port in the world (Houston) and the 3rd busiest airport in the world measured by traffic (DFW).
Enjoy Texas...and isn't 0% income tax nice?
Guess which state has the most Fortune 500 companies for 2009? California? New York (and Wall Street)? Nope! It is (as you probably have already guessed) TEXAS!
There are 64 current Fortune 500 companies within Texas, including 3 in the top ten (Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and AT&T). New York is a distant second place with 56 companies.
If Texas were to secede from the Union, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The economy of Texas is currently powered by a variety of industries- Agriculture, Aeronautics, Defense, Computer Technology, Energy, Tourism, Entertainment, and Health Care. It leads all US states in exports while being home to the 6th largest Port in the world (Houston) and the 3rd busiest airport in the world measured by traffic (DFW).
Enjoy Texas...and isn't 0% income tax nice?
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