Geography
Size
“As large as Texas!”
Texas is the second largest US state in both size and population. The state consists of 268,601 square miles and a growing population of 24 million (not including the 16 million cattle).
Geography
Climate
Diverse! On March 27, 1984, the temperature in Brownsville was 106°F, while Amarillo reported snow and 35°F.
Geography
Coastal Swamp
The Texas Gulf Coast has some of the most abundant and diverse wetlands in the world. The coastal swamp is an area of wetland Coastal wetlands support 60-90% of the commercial fisheries in the US. Salt water fishing in Texas generates $2 billion annually.
Geography
Piney Woods
The Piney Woods cover an area of 54,400 square miles of eastern Texas, northwestern Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas and the southeastern corner of Oklahoma. Over 100 species of birds breed in East Texas.
Geography
Rolling Plains
A gently-rolling region containing range lands broken with streams and rivers running from west to east, draining to the cross timbers and praries region to the east and southeast. It is home to the Skunkbush Sumac, so named for the strong odor it gives off when crushed. It’s been used for medical purposes for centuries.
Geography
Rugged Hills
The Texas Hill Country has over 14,000 square miles of hills, lakes, live oak trees and winding roads. It’s famous for country music and friendly people. If you see an approaching driver wave to you, be sure to wave back!
Geography
Desert
Over 800,000 acres of remote desert reside in Big Bend National Park. In addition to defining the curve that forms the Big Bend, the Rio Grande also serves as the international boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Visitors to Big Bend can wander and explore to their hearts’ content. But with this freedom comes risk. Every year, park staff must rescue hikers who either underestimate the terrain and/or temperatures or overestimate their own abilities. This environment is not forgiving; hikers have died here after going just a few hours without water.
Geography
Rivers
Texas’ major rivers include the Red, Rio Grande, Brazos, Pecos, Trinity, and Sabine.
Click Texas above and select Waters to see a map of Texas’ rivers.
