Texas

by – Alex McCarty, Tour Manager, North America

The history of the state of Texas is arguably the most interesting of any of the other state in the union, cementing its legend with the stand at The Alamo.

As the third most populous state, with over 20 million citizens, the Lone Star State is in many ways at the crossroads of the United States, both in terms of the past and the present.

Its thousands of miles of white sand coastline and wide open skies overlooking seemingly endless dusty prairies are comfortably nestled right next to the beautifully rugged scenery of Duro and King’s Canyons and several outstanding watering holes, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. And with its sprinkling of world-class cities like Austin, the capitol, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas spread throughout its landmass, one visit here and you’ll easily understand why they say ‘everything is bigger in Texas!’

Brief History

In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from the Empire of Spain and with that, General Santa Anna, leader of the new Republic of Mexico began an expansion of his interests northward into a vast territory called Texas.

Only a few frontiersmen and their families had followed a man named Stephen F. Austin into the territory to set up homesteads that were soon invaded by General Santa Ana and the Mexican army for the next ten years. The growing conflict reached its apex when a showdown at an old Spanish church, called The Alamo mission, developed between the American ranchers sworn to protect it in the name of Texas were holed up inside by the stronger, larger Mexican army.

Over a 13 day period, every man, woman and child inside the Alamo perished at the hand of the General Santa Ana’s army, 137 in all. Their deaths became the rallying cry that led to Texas being annexed by the young United States of America, and eventually being admitted to the union in 1836.