An Introduction Of Texas

Origin Of Texas

Origin Of Texas

The evolution of the name of Texas, seems to be as fascinating as the history of evolution of the Texas State itself. Texas is derived from the Caddo Indian word, “teyshas”. The literal import of this word is “friends” or “allies”. One must say, Texas has lived true to its name, during its history, especially that of the last two centuries. It is the history of conflicts, alliances, friends made and friends lost. A unique culture, synthesis of races emerged out of all these trials and tribulations for the natives of the country. To add his own confusion to the name, a Spanish explorer thought it to be the name of a tribe, and in his recordings, he referred to the name as Teyas of Tejas! (Tejas is a Sanskrit word, meaning brilliance!) The alliance concept of Texas is honored and also respected in the state motto which is ”Friendship”.

Threatened specie, Horned Lizard, is the state reptile of Texas. The appearance of this Horny Toad is frightening. But it is docile and gentle in nature. Its color blends with that of the ground. Therefore, when threatened, it has a unique way of trying to protect itself. It flattens and freezes in a particular place.

The people of Texas call themselves, Texans. Several flags of the early Republic of Texas had a single star. The USA Flag is the star-studded one. There are two schools of thought regarding this Texas star. Some say, it indicated the wish of the Texans to merge with the United States, to get the statehood. Others say, the star represents the will power of the Texans to assert its rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. The lone star has several battle successes and defeats to its credit.

The history of the word 'Texan' is as interesting as the history of the Texas itself. The word is spelled and pronounced as 'Texian' is in English and 'Texienne' in French. In common parlance, the word Texan is used. But the Texan Almanac, used the word Texan as late as 1868.

So, the present evolution of the State, lying between Western and Southern Regions of the United States of America, is full of vicissitudes. It shares the cultural aspects of many countries that ruled and dominated over it, once upon a time. It is part of the Southwest and from the geographical point of view, lies on the American Great Plain. Its area is 268,581 sq. miles. In area, it is second to Alaska and in population, next to California.

Till 1836, Texas was a part of Mexico. It declared independence in the same year. It remained as an independent republic for about 10 years. The confusions continued when it joined USA in the year 1845 as the 28th State. In 1861, it seceded to join the Confederate States of America. It was admitted finally to the Union in the year 1870.

Texas boasts of six flags, thereby meaning that six countries have ruled over it, and was the source of many more wars and conflicts to gain superiority and territorial gains, among themselves. Stability arrived in Texas, after its final merger with the United States.

Native American tribes, which once lived inside the boundaries of present-day Texas, include Apache, Atakapan, Bidai, Caddo, Comanche, Cherokee, Kiowa, Tonkawa, Wichita, and Karankawa of Galveston. Currently, there are three federally recognized Native American tribes which reside in Texas: the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas.

The origin and development of Texas are both fascinating and adventurous!