A hardy winter annual native to Texas, the Bluebonnet was adopted as the "State Flower of Texas". This is the most commonly seen variety along roadsides and in uncultivated pastures throughout the state. Flowers are densely arranged on a spike with a characteristic ice white terminal tip.

Texas is from the Caddo Indian word "teyshas" (meaning "friends" or "allies"). In the 1540s Spanish explorers took this to be a tribal name, recording it as Teyas or Tejas. It came eventually to mean an area north of the Rio Grande and east of New Mexico. The alliance concept is also incorporated into the state motto, which is simply "Friendship."

Probably the best known nickname for Texas is The Lone Star State, which originates from the star on the 1836 flag of the Republic of Texas. This flag, and subsequent variations of it, all featured a lone star, representing defiance, pride and — most importantly — independence from Mexico. The world-famous "Lone Star" is not only found on the Texas flag but also the great seal, the state commemorative quarter, and is recognized as the official state gemstone cut of Texas. Reference to The Beef Stateis perhaps more likely to be heard in connection with Nebraska; however, "The Beef State" is also one of the nicknames for Texas. This is attributed to the state's cattle ranching and beef production. The nickname, The Banner State, signifies a leading position, a front-runner, and probably originated from Texas' political influence based on her large population. Texas has also been called The Blizzard State because of the frequent wind storms which sweep over the state.

And finally...Texas became known as The Jumbo State. In 1882, P.T. Barnum brought the largest African elephant ever kept in captivity from London to the United States to be used in his circus. The elephant's name was Jumbo. The elephant came to signify anything that was unusually large. Texas, the largest state in the Union, became known as "The Jumbo State" at that time.

To capture Texas, you need to go big, and this aerial exploration spans thousands of square miles to reveal the great sites of the Lone Star State. Witness its lush forests, forbidding deserts, and shimmering modern cities. High-altitude views of landmarks reveal a rich, complex past where bloody battles for independence began and where the era of American idealism ended one dark November day. From humble beginnings to boastful proclamations, see why "everything's bigger in Texas."

Texas boasts a plethora of designated state emblems. Catch a few in the video with some close-ups presented afterward.

Texas Facts and Trivia