A fascinating and fun look at the Lone Star State's history, culture, and people

Texas is the country's second-largest state by size and population. It has a unique and varied history, having been ruled by a succession of nations-from which the term "six flags over Texas" sprang—before becoming an independent republic. From its traditional oil, cattle, and cotton industries to the modern energy, electronics, computer, aerospace, and biomedical industries, Texas has become an economic powerhouse. It’s known for its low taxes, diverse population, thriving universities, and art scenes. Exploring the state’s fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy Texas Answer Book takes an in-depth look at this fascinating and diverse state with the bigger-than-life personality.

Learn about the original Indigenous peoples, the Spanish, French, and Mexican colonizations, the independence from Mexico, the ties to the Confederacy and United States, devastating hurricanes, football culture, fast-growing cities and urban sprawl, food, attitude, and much, much more. Tour landmarks from the Alamo and cattle ranches to the Rio Grande and the state capital. Learn about famous sons and daughters, including Lyndon Johnson, Sam Houston, Howard Hughes, Janis Joplin, and Renéeacute;e Zellweger. Sports, the government, parks, and cultural institutions are all packed into this comprehensive guide to the state of Texas. Find answers to more than 950 questions, including:

Illustrating the unique character of the state through a combination of facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky, The Handy Texas Answer Book answers your Texas questions about people, places, events, government, and locations! This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography, an appendix of governors and presidents, a thorough historical timeline, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.