Everything is bigger in Texas. Texas leads the nation in total productivity. It is the leading oil producer in the nation. More beef is produced in Texas than in any other state, and Texas remains as the nation’s largest producer of cotton. Texas is a giant in the space industry and is a major player in high tech. Texas can even lay claim to the largest, in total square feet, of all the state capitol buildings, constructed of 15,000 carloads of pink granite.
One of the most recognized nicknames of any state, “The Lone Star State” originates from the star on the 1836 flag of the republic, the “National Standard of Texas.” The single golden star on a blue background signified Texas as an independent republic and was a reminder of the state’s struggle for independence from Mexico. The “Lone Star” can be found on the Texas State Flag and on the Texas State Seal today. This nickname became the official nickname of the state when Governor Greg Abbott signed House Concurrent Resolution No. 78 on June 19, 2015.
