Texas is an amazing state with its variety of land formations, people, climate, history and economy. Known as the Lone Star State, Texas can boast of deserts and swamps, mountains and plains, huge cities and small towns and even miles and miles of nothing. In some parts of the state there are frigid winter “northers” and in others muggy tropical breezes. Citizens from all over the world have joined native Texans in calling the twenty-eighth state home. This state of bluebonnets (the state flower) and pecan trees (the state tree) has welcomed people from every walk of life—conquistadors and settlers, Comanches and missionaries, cowboys and soldiers, and farmers and ranchers.

The state is also home to a wide variety of animal life. There are bisons (buffalo), prairie dogs, armadillos, alligators and coyotes. Many birds also call Texas home; among them are eagles, pelicans, roadrunners and mockingbirds, the state bird. There are also cattle, cattle and more cattle—although this was not the case until the Spanish brought herds from Spain several hundred years ago.

Texans themselves are varied. They can be found building things, like computers and machines; farming cotton, maize or vegetables; raising cattle or sheep; working in factories; cutting lumber; drilling for oil or natural gas; or doing one of many jobs that provide services for people.

From native Texans who refused to change their way of life to please the Spanish missionaries, to settlers struggling to make a new home, to battles between Native Americans and settlers, to Texas's fight for Independence from Mexico, to the decision to join the fighting in the Civil War, Texas was born of struggle.

This summary of Texas events and history is intended as a springboard for further research on the people, land and history of Texas. The number of possible ideas for further research is as big as the state itself. Come join us in learning about the history of Texas.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 3–5.