Texas Pride - Why Texans Love Texas

Love for the Lone Star State

I’m a Texan. I was born here; I was raised here. In fact, I’ve spent most of my life here. And during the several years that I’ve lived away from here, I loved it even more.

If you’re a Texan (or know a Texan), you know exactly what I’m talking about. There’s an innate sense of pride that flows through our veins. It’s almost indescribable, but I wanted to give it a shot anyway. But then as I sat down to write, I found myself wondering – well, just why am I so proud of Texas? Hmmmmm…

Learning to Love Texas

School probably had some part to play. I vividly remember constructing the Alamo from popsicle sticks in the 7^th grade, taking a field trip to visit Sam Houston’s cabin (which happens to be fairly local to my hometown) and cutting out magazine pictures to make a presentation board of all the Texas state symbols… bluebonnets, the flag, a mockingbird and so on.

But the strong sense of devotion I feel towards my home state is waaaay more than a faded memory of some interesting facts and grade school activities. Yes, it’s so much deeper than that.

Inside Texas State Pride

Looking to pull back the curtain a bit further, I did what any good researcher does these days. Yep, the “G” word. And in just .62 seconds, I had well over 8,000,000 results available to sift through.

Obviously, this Texas pride thing is legit, and here’s a little of what I found to back it up.

1. Texas was once a nation.

Led by heroes like Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Stephen F Austin and Sam Houston, every inch of this great state was hard won by these brave men and many more.

In 1836, we declared our independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas. As the only state able to make this particular claim, we wear our former status with as much pride as our current one.

2. Texas makes a statement as a state.

Everything is bigger in Texas, right? From the sky, to the plains, to Southern hospitality, rodeos and pick-up trucks… it all seems larger than life when you’re in the Lone Star State.

But it is, in fact, the largest state by land area among the 48 contiguous states, and we’ve got plenty more to brag about.

We boast the 4th largest city in the USA, our capitol building is taller than the one in D.C. and we’ve got the highest speed limit – even if it is on a toll road.

We’re also the fastest growing state and rank 2nd behind California for highest GDP, meaning our great state does a whole lot to contribute to the overall success and prosperity of our great nation.

3. Texas is a way of life.

Anyone who’s been in Texas for any time at all will surely agree that we have a culture all our own.

Sharing the harvest from your garden with a neighbor. Winking, smiling or tipping your hat to a stranger. Extending a helping hand to anyone in need. Keeping your word, standing up for what’s right and defending the underdog.

There’s a “code” that true Texans live by no matter how far we wander from our beloved state. Summed up in words like loyalty, hospitality and respect, it’s the core of who we are and what it means to be a Texan.