Facts About Texas Geography

The state of Texas is the second most populous state in the United States. The geography of Texas encompasses an area of 268,820 square miles (696,200 km2) and is located in the South Central United States. Texas borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas and Oklahoma to the south, New Mexico to the west, and Mexico to the south-southwest. Texas is a large state, and it has been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years.

Geography

Texas is one of the most unique states in our country. It has a diverse geography, with different climates, land features and ecosystems. The state is located on the gulf coast, and its coastal areas are protected by barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to many rivers including the Rio Grande that drains into Mexico, which forms much of Texas's southern boundary.

Climate

The climate varies throughout Texas because of it being so large and geographically diverse. Texas has a diverse landscape, ranging from arid deserts to pine forests to swamplands and beaches. The state is home to several unique ecosystems and wildlife species, and it is known for its warm hospitality and unique culture.

The climate of Texas is largely controlled by its geography. The western half of the state is dominated by the desert regions of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, while the eastern part receives more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. 

The word Texas, which is based on the Caddo word tejas that means "friends" or "allies", was used by the Spanish to the Caddo and to the region of their settlement in Central Texas.

Early History

The first Europeans to explore what is now Texas were Spanish explorers. The first was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1528. Permanent European occupancy began in 1685 when Spain established several Catholic missions in East Texas. In 1822 Mexico won its independence from Spain and Texas went through a lot of revolutions before it became part of the United States. 

Recap: Texas is one of the largest states in the United States. Its diverse terrain ranges from plains to forests and deserts to mountain ranges. The Texas geography makes it perfect for a great variety of fun activities. If you're looking for fun things to do, check out some of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas!