In 1845, the political climate proved more favorable to the request for statehood, and, in 1846, the Lone Star flag of the Republic of Texas became the flag of the twenty-eighth state in the Union. A unique provision in its agreement with the United States permitted Texas to retain title to its public lands.
The state is divided into various regions characterized by distinct cultures and climates. East Texas includes the forested area known as the "Big Thicket" and some of the wet, coastal marsh area. The region produces cotton, rice, and sugar cane, and its economy is centered on the Gulf Coast's petrochemical and shipping industries. The Eastern part of Texas continues to be culturally tied to the Deep South.
West Texas includes the Davis Mountains, the northern High Plains of the Panhandle, and some of the Hill Country. Cattle and sheep ranching continue to thrive in the legendary land of the cowboy. Near the national border, Mexican culture remains particularly influential.
One of the many Texans interviewed in American Life Histories, 1936-1940, early settler Mrs. Emma Falconer, described the state's natural beauty:
Let me tell you my impression when I came to Texas and saw the sunrise, the Texas Bluebonnets and the wild flowers, the Indian head, the "Yellow Rose of Texas", the wild verbena, and all the many beautiful Texas flowers. The traveler may be oblivious to the wonders of his own land and feel that distance lends enchantment, he may grow rapturous over other sunny climes, but if there is a sunnier or more beautiful country than Texas, I have not seen it!"Mrs. Emma Falconer,"
Marlin, Texas,
Miss Effie Cowan, interviewer,
circa 1936-1940.
American Life Histories, 1936-1940
- Read other Texans' stories. Search on bluebonnets, rangers, cowboys, Indians, or Texas in American Life Histories, 1936-1940.
- The work of commercial photographer Robert Runyon (1881-1969) comprises the collection The South Texas Border, 1900-1920. This 8,000-item collection documents the history and development of the Rio Grande Valley and includes images of the Mexican Revolution and the U.S. military presence along the border prior to and during World War I.
- For more images, search the American Memory collections of Photos & Prints on Texas. The following collections are particularly rich in material concerning Texas.
