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"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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