Texas. The name - its meaning

The name - its meaning.
Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State to signify Texas as a former independent republic and as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico.
The "Lone Star" can be found on the Texas state flag and on the Texas state seal today.

The development of its culture
The culture of Texas is often considered one of the major cultures influencing the greater American culture.
But it retains the regionalisms and distinct cultural identities of Tejanos, Cajuns, Irish, African American, and Anglo American

Ridiculous laws of the state
What are some of the most ridiculous laws in Texas?
1. No person should inhale fues from model glue
2. Any person who sits on a sidewalk may be fined up to $500
3. Bicycles must be operated at a “reasonable speed”

Cities and towns
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, while San Antonio is the second largest in the state and seventh largest in the United States. Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and fifth largest United States metropolitan areas, respectively. Other major cities include El Paso and Austin —the state capital.

Famous people of the state
Actor Matthew McConaughey, wrestler Steve Austin, and heavyweight boxer George Foreman were born in the Texan cities of Uvalde, Austin, and Marshall respectively. Michael Dell, CEO and founder, Dell Computers, belong to Houston, while the 7-time winner of Tour-de-France, Lance Armstrong, is a native of Plano, actress Renee Zellweger.
All these are just a few celebrities that belong to the state of Texas. The list is endless and contains names of many popular sportspersons, businessmen, entertainers, criminals.

State Bird
Mockingbird
State Insect
Monarch Butterfly
State Mammal (large)
Texas longhorn
State Mammal (small)
Armadillo
Symbols of the state
the Texas state flag
bluebonnet

Places of interest of the state
There are miles of scenic drives throughout Big Bend National Park, but hiking is an even better way to see the rock formations and landscape up close. Try an east stroll along Window View Trail, the more challenging Chimneys Trail or just a relaxing float down the river instead.
Filled with wildlife, and an important spot for bird watching in Texas, the Padre Island National Seashore leads to South Padre Island, a popular getaway spot for beach vacations

Places of interest of the state
As the biggest city in Texas, Houston is one of the most popular places to visit in Texas. Famously known for being home to the NASA Mission Control Center

Places of interest of the state
Cutting through the High Plains region of Texas is the Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest in the United States, after the Grand Canyon. Red rock is exposed, creating a beautiful sight to behold, but the canyon is more than just a void. It is also where Native American tribes like the Apache and the Comanche once called home.

Cultural traditions of the state
State Fair of Texas.
Going to the fair is mainly for Dallas/Fort Worth residents, but plenty of parents make the effort to take their kids at least once while they’re young. In fact, most schools in the DFW area have a “Fair Day” holiday to boost ticket sales and give students a chance to attend outside of the crowded weekends. Big Tex, the symbol of the fair, burned down a few years ago but he’s been rebuilt as big and Texan as ever.

Cultural traditions of the state
The stereotype usually holds true in Texans’ childhood. Whereas only posh northerners in the big cities are able to escape and go English riding on the weekends, Texans have the space to indoctrinate all their children into riding with a western saddle at some point: summer camp, riding school in the middle of town, or even just visiting a distant cousin who owns a ranch.

And what attracts me to it?
USA is а faraway country, on the other side of the world. It is а country of contrasts and great opportunities.
The United States of America is a truly great country, with special lifestyle, unique people and its own traditions.