"Even grander than the sheer size of Texas is its cultural diversity. People from all over the globe have settled here through the centuries, weaving a vibrant tapestry of languages, traditions, and art forms. That's why Texas is like a whole other country-lots of 'em, actually.
Everywhere you look in Texas, you immediately see the rich beauty and history created by the many cultures that call Texas home. And we celebrate it the same way we celebrate everything else here: In a big way.
The Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio displays a rich variety of exhibits highlighting 26 cultural and ethnic groups. It gives visitors a lesson on the many cultures that influenced the Lone Star State, and the people who created Texas history. Visitors can view how different people arrived in Texas--how they lived, ate, celebrated, and other fascinating historical facts.
Texan cultures have left vast evidence of their contributions across the state. That's what makes Texas, Texas. Today, we celebrate these contributions through events, festivals, and museums. Take a look at the brief history of some of these cultures, and how important they are to the state that has been home to many people, and stood under six flags.
Dallas: At the site of this present metropolis the first anglo-American settler built a single cabin in 1841. Two years later the "town" consisted of two log cabins. By the mid-1870s, Dallas had become a thriving business town and market center with a cosmopolitan, urbane air unmatched anywhere on the frontier at the time. This was primarily due to several immigrations of skilled and cultured groups of French, German, Swiss, English, and other Europeans.
San Antonio: In 1718, at an Indian village at the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Spain established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio (fort), San Antonio de Bexar (Bay-her), protected mission endeavors. Today's city and county names derive from those 18th-century Spanish beginnings that predate founding of the United States by more than half a century.
Houston: Named after Sam Houston, general of Texas army that won independence from Mexico, and president of Republic of Texas. The city, largest in Texas and fourth largest in nation, has experienced phenomenal growth since a small riverboat landing was established on Buffalo Bayou by Allen brothers in August 1836. Today, SpaceCity USA is an industrial and financial hub for much of the state. It is one of nation's largest seaports, and has meeting space, hotel space, dining space and sports space.
Austin: In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Site occupied at the time by a four-family settlement called Waterloo. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." In early Sept. 1839, archives and furniture of Texas government were transported from Houston to Austin by 50 ox-drawn wagons."
- From the traveltx.com website
To learn more about Texas visit http://www.traveltex.com/
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