James Pinckney Henderson was elected governor of Texas in November 1845, and took office in February 1846. With the declaration of the Mexican War, the governor asked permission of the legislature to take personal command of the troops in the field. He led the Second Texas Regiment at the battle of Monterrey and was appointed a commissioner to negotiate for the surrender of that city. After the war he resumed his duties as governor but refused to run for a second term.
Texas designated Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculi) as the official state fish in 1989. Native to fast moving streams in the central Hill Country, the Guadalupe is not a true bass, but a member of the sunfish family.
San Antonio was founded as a Spanish mission and presidio on May 1, 1718, by a group led by Friar Antonio de Olivares, a Franciscan missionary. The mission, known as San Antonio de Padua, was intended to convert local Native American populations to Christianity, while the presidio served as a military garrison to protect the mission and nearby settlements.
The Rio Grande, also known as Río Bravo del Norte, serves as a boundary between Texas and Mexico for a significant portion of their shared border. Flowing from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado through New Mexico and Texas before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, it plays a vital role in the region's geography and history.
Miriam "Ma" Ferguson served two non-consecutive terms as the first female Governor of Texas, from 1925 to 1927 and 1933 to 1935. Her husband, James Edward Ferguson, had previously served as governor of Texas but had been prohibited from holding state office after being impeached by the Texas State Senate. During the 1924 campaign, she made it clear she was a puppet candidate for her husband, saying voters would get "two for the price of one". Her speeches at rallies consisted of introducing him and letting him take the platform. A common campaign slogan was, "Me for Ma, and I Ain't Got a Durned Thing Against Pa."
The last battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Palmito Ranch, which was fought May 12 and 13, 1865, on the banks of the Rio Grande east of Brownsville, Texas. It took place more than a month after the general surrender of Confederate forces at Appomattox Court House, in the distant Eastern Theater. Union Private John J. Williams of the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment is believed to have been the last man killed during the engagement, likely making him the final combat death of the entire war.
Texas is the largest U.S. producer of oil and natural gas. The state has a significant role in the energy industry, with vast oil fields, refineries, and natural gas reserves. Additionally, Texas is a major agricultural producer, leading in the production of cattle, cotton, hay, and a variety of other agricultural products.
The Texas Horned Lizard, also known as the horned frog or horny toad, is a unique and iconic reptile known for its distinctive appearance, including its flattened body, spiky appearance, and of course, the horns on its head. Despite its nickname, the Texas Horned Lizard is not a frog; it's a lizard belonging to the Phrynosomatidae family. The species has been designated as the official state reptile of Texas to celebrate its cultural and ecological significance within the region.
Austin, home to the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, is renowned for its vibrant music scene, with a multitude of live music venues, festivals, and a diverse range of musical genres. It's a hub for musicians, bands, and music enthusiasts, making it a prominent destination for those seeking a lively and dynamic music culture.
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