MAIN Travel North America USA Texas

Spanish and French explorers visited the territory in the 16th and 17th centuries, but it was American pioneers, led by Stephen Austin, who began settling the region in 1821.

A decade later, the famous Mexican border disputes at the Alamo in San Antonio, and Sam Houston's victory at San Jacinto led to complete severing of ties with Mexico on Texas Independence Day on March 2, 1836.

The day is still observed as an official state holiday with a traditional visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park to celebrate the location of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The largest of the lower 48 states second in size only to Alaska, Texas leads the U.S. in oil ("Texas tea"), cattle and sheep raising, as well as cotton production.

Famous for its beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast, the state also boasts more than a hundred state parks, the Space Center in Houston, and the Texas Capitol building in Austin.

If traveling through the state in late September, also don't miss the end-of-summer Texas State Fair in Dallas (the original home of the corn dog) for an authentic taste of Americana.

More about Texas travel & tourism on the Web:

Texas Travel - The next best thing to being there ya'll, with webcams of top vacation spots around the state, trip planners, city guides, driving tours and directions, maps & pictures, event calendar, related links.

Welcome to Texas Highways - The state's official online travel magazine with timely vacation features, pictures, fascinating facts, famous and offbeat attractions, Texas history, folklore and trivia, reader tips and recipes.

Texas Parks & Wildlife - Vacation fun in the sun with everything you need to know about where to boat, fish and swim, hike & bike in the state parks network with facts & information on opening times, safety, licences, forecasts, FAQ.

The Guide to Texas Outside - The whole Texas guide to swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, hunting and anything else you can do out of doors with a special look at Southern Texas.

Houston, Texas City Guide and Houston Meeting Planner Guide - What's goin' on in Houston featuring vacation news and updates, facts and info on major attractions, hotels and restaurants, neighborhood guides.

Austin City Guide - The big, big guide to Austin with information on family vacation fun and cultural events, clubs and bars, golf courses and lake fun, with pictures & video clips, related links.

Corpus Christi, Padre Island Texas - An area Web directory with resources and links to major attractions, hotels, sports & recreation, arts & theater.

San Antonio Travel Guide - A complete visitors guide with information on major vacation spots, upcoming events, restaurants, activities, city parks, and more with photo gallery, maps.

Fort Worth, Texas - Fort Worth Attractions, Accommodations & Dining Guide - The focus on "Cowboys and Culture" with guides to area rodeos, cattle drives and country music along with high f''lootin' opera, symphony and ballet performances, and printable money saving vacation coupons.

Texas Summer Vacation Calendar:

also see -> Texas Beaches | TX Wineries | TX Independence Day

Christmas in Texas | Moving to Texas | Houston Travel Guide

also see features -> Houston's Downtown Aquarium

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Austin Tourist Attractions