Quick Facts (Adapted from the New Ben’s Guide to Government)
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| Capital City: | Austin |
| Nickname: | Lone Star State |
| Motto: | Friendship |
| Statehood: | December 29, 1845 (28th) |
| Origin of State’s Name: | Based on a word used by Caddo Indians meaning “friends” |
| Largest Cities: | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, Austin |
| Border States: | Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma |
| Land Area: | 261,914 sq. mi.; 2nd largest |
| State Bird: | Mockingbird |
| State Flower: | Bluebonnet (lupinus) |
| State Tree: | Pecan (carya illinoensis) |
| State Song: | Texas, Our Texas |
| E-mail your Congressperson: | U.S. House: 111th Congress U.S. Senate: 111th Congress Or look up your Congressperson in the Congressional Directory database! |
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
