Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., is known for its rich history, unique culture, and larger-than-life personality. Whether you’re a native Texan or just a fan of the Lone Star State, these Texas trivia questions and answers will challenge your knowledge and maybe even teach you something new.
Why Texas Trivia is So Popular
People love Texas trivia because the state has a colorful past and vibrant present. From the Alamo to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Texas has played a significant role in American history. Additionally, its famous barbecue, cowboy culture, and iconic cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin make it a fascinating topic for trivia lovers.
Fun Facts About Texas
Before diving into the trivia questions, here are some quick Texas facts to set the stage:
- Texas was an independent nation (the Republic of Texas) from 1836 to 1845.
- It’s the only state that was a sovereign country before joining the U.S.
- The state motto is “Friendship,” derived from the Caddo word “tejas.”
- Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas, in 1885.
Now, let’s get into some exciting Texas trivia!
Texas History Trivia Questions and Answers
Below are 101 Texas-related questions and answers, divided into 10 categories, with each category containing 10 questions and answers.
Texas History
Q: Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?
A: Sam Houston.
Q: When did Texas declare its independence from Mexico?
A: March 2, 1836.
Q: Which battle was the turning point in the Texas Revolution?
A: The Battle of San Jacinto.
Q: What was the original capital of Texas?
A: San Felipe de Austin.
Q: What year did Texas officially become a state in the United States?
A: 1845.
Q: Which famous Texan leader was known for the phrase “Remember the Alamo”?
A: Sam Houston.
Q: Which Texas city was the site of the famous 1836 siege during the Texas Revolution?
A: San Antonio.
Q: Who was the commander of the Texian army during the Battle of San Jacinto?
A: Sam Houston.
Q: What was the name of the fort where the famous 1836 siege took place?
A: The Alamo.
Q: Who was the Mexican general during the Battle of the Alamo?
A: Santa Anna.
Texas Geography
Q: What is the largest city in Texas?
A: Houston.
Q: What river forms part of the border between Texas and Mexico?
A: The Rio Grande.
Q: What is the longest river in Texas?
A: The Rio Grande.
Q: What is the highest point in Texas?
A: Guadalupe Peak.
Q: Which desert is located in West Texas?
A: The Chihuahuan Desert.
Q: What is the Texas state flower?
A: Bluebonnet.
Q: What is the Texas state tree?
A: Pecan tree.
Q: What is the name of the large bay located along the Texas coast?
A: Galveston Bay.
Q: What major mountain range runs through Texas?
A: The Rocky Mountains.
Q: Which region of Texas is known for its oil reserves?
A: The Permian Basin.
Texas Government
Q: Who is the current Governor of Texas?
A: Greg Abbott.
Q: What is the Texas state capital?
A: Austin.
Q: How many senators does Texas have in the U.S. Senate?
A: Two.
Q: How many representatives does Texas have in the U.S. House of Representatives?
A: 38.
Q: What is the Texas legislature known as?
A: The Texas Legislature or the Texas State Legislature.
Q: How many branches are in the Texas state government?
A: Three (Executive, Legislative, Judicial).
Q: How many justices serve on the Texas Supreme Court?
A: Nine.
Q: What is the Texas state motto?
A: “Friendship.”
Q: Who was the first female governor of Texas?
A: Miriam A. Ferguson.
Q: What is the Texas state bird?
A: Northern Mockingbird.
Texas Culture
Q: What type of music is Texas particularly famous for?
A: Country music.
Q: What is a popular dish in Texas cuisine?
A: Chili.
Q: Which Texan was a famous country music singer known as the “King of Country”?
A: George Strait.
Q: Which event is the largest rodeo in the world, held annually in Texas?
A: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Q: Which Texan city is known for its annual music festival, South by Southwest (SXSW)?
A: Austin.
Q: What is the name of the Texas-style barbecue, particularly popular in Central Texas?
A: Texas brisket.
Q: Which state is considered to be the birthplace of Texas BBQ?
A: Texas.
Q: What is the Texas state sport?
A: Rodeo.
Q: Which Texan artist is known for the song “La Grange”?
A: ZZ Top.
Q: What is the name of the traditional folk dance often associated with Texas?
A: The Texas Two-Step.
Texas Economy
Q: What is Texas’ largest industry?
A: Oil and natural gas.
Q: Which city is known as the “Oil Capital of Texas”?
A: Houston.
Q: What is the state of Texas’ ranking in terms of total GDP in the United States?
A: Second.
Q: What is the Texas state crop?
A: Cotton.
Q: What major technology company has its headquarters in Austin, Texas?
A: Dell.
Q: Which Texas city is famous for its high-tech industry and is considered a tech hub?
A: Austin.
Q: What is the largest employer in Texas?
A: The University of Texas System.
Q: What industry is Texas known for producing, in addition to oil and gas?
A: Agriculture.
Q: What is the primary source of income for the state of Texas, aside from taxes?
A: Oil revenue.
Q: Which natural resource is a major part of Texas’ economy, contributing to its agricultural success?
A: Water.
Texas Landmarks
Q: Where is the Texas State Capitol located?
A: Austin.
Q: What is the most famous historic site in San Antonio?
A: The Alamo.
Q: What landmark is located in Houston and serves as a hub for the aerospace industry?
A: NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Q: What is the tallest building in Texas?
A: The JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston.
Q: Which Texas city has a famous art museum called the Museum of Fine Arts?
A: Houston.
Q: What is the name of the large park in Dallas known for its cultural institutions?
A: Fair Park.
Q: Which famous Texas landmark was the site of a battle during the Texas Revolution?
A: The Alamo.
Q: What structure in Texas is famous for being the home of the Texas Rangers?
A: Globe Life Park (formerly).
Q: What is the name of the Texas beach that is known for being the longest stretch of barrier island in the world?
A: Padre Island.
Q: Which Texas city is home to the iconic San Jacinto Monument?
A: Houston.
Texas Sports
Q: Which NFL team is based in Texas?
A: The Dallas Cowboys.
Q: Which NBA team is based in San Antonio, Texas?
A: The San Antonio Spurs.
Q: What is the name of the Texas-based Major League Baseball team?
A: The Texas Rangers.
Q: Which Texas college football team is known for its rivalry with Texas A&M?
A: The University of Texas Longhorns.
Q: What is the name of the Texas Major League Soccer team based in Frisco?
A: FC Dallas.
Q: Which Texas team has won the most NBA championships?
A: The San Antonio Spurs.
Q: What is the Texas Formula 1 race track called?
A: Circuit of the Americas.
Q: Which Texas university has the most NCAA football championships?
A: The University of Texas at Austin.
Q: Which Texas city is home to the Houston Rockets?
A: Houston.
Q: What is the name of the Texas professional soccer team that plays in Houston?
A: Houston Dynamo.
Famous Texans
Q: Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and was born in Texas?
A: Amelia Earhart.
Q: Which famous Texan actor starred in the “Jumanji” movie series?
A: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Q: Who was the famous Texan singer known as the “Queen of Tejano”?
A: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
Q: Which famous actor, born in Texas, starred in the “Matrix” movie series?
A: Keanu Reeves.
Q: Who was the famous Texan astronaut who became the first American woman in space?
A: Sally Ride.
Q: Which U.S. president was born in Texas?
A: Lyndon B. Johnson.
Q: Which famous Texan singer is known for hits like “The Gambler”?
A: Kenny Rogers.
Q: Which famous actor, born in Texas, starred in the “True Grit” remake?
A: Jeff Bridges.
Q: Which famous singer-songwriter, born in Texas, is known for songs like “If I Had a Boat”?
A: Lyle Lovett.
Q: Which country music legend from Texas is known for the song “Amarillo by Morning”?
A: George Strait.
Texas Wildlife
Q: What is the official state animal of Texas?
A: The Armadillo.
Q: What is the Texas state fish?
A: Guadalupe bass.
Q: Which bird species is the Texas state bird?
A: Northern Mockingbird.
Q: What type of bear is found in Texas?
A: Black bear.
Q: What is the state reptile of Texas?
A: The Texas horned lizard.
Q: What species of snake is often associated with Texas?
A: Western Diamondback rattlesnake.
Q: What animal is known as the Texas state mammal?
A: The nine-banded armadillo.
Q: Which large wild cat is found in Texas?
A: Mountain lion (cougar).
Q: What type of fish is popular in Texas rivers and lakes?
A: Largemouth bass.
Q: Which animal is considered a symbol of the Texas Panhandle?
A: The bison (buffalo).
Texas Trivia
Q: What year did Texas join the United States?
A: 1845.
Q: What is the largest city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex?
A: Dallas.
Q: Which state does Texas border to the north?
A: Oklahoma.
Q: What is the Texas state insect?
A: Monarch butterfly.
Q: Which Texas city is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”?
A: Austin.
Q: What is the nickname for the state of Texas?
A: The Lone Star State.
Q: How many counties are there in Texas?
A: 254.
Q: What is the tallest waterfall in Texas?
A: Cattail Falls.
Q: In which Texas city is the famous “Sixth Floor Museum” located?
A: Dallas.
Q: What is the most populated county in Texas?
A: Harris County.
FAQs About
1. Why is Texas called the Lone Star State?
Answer: The nickname represents Texas’ history as an independent republic before joining the U.S.
2. What is the most visited attraction in Texas?
Answer: The Alamo in San Antonio.
3. What is Texas’ state bird?
Answer: The Northern Mockingbird.
4. Which Texas city has the largest population?
Answer: Houston.
5. What makes Texas different from other states?
Answer: Its history of independence, large size, and cultural diversity.
6. What is Texas’ official state song?
Answer: “Texas, Our Texas.”
7. Which president was born in Texas?
Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower.
8. What is the Texas State Capitol building made of?
Answer: Sunset Red Granite.
9. What major river forms the Texas-Mexico border?
Answer: The Rio Grande.
10. What is the Texas motto?
Answer: “Friendship.”
Conclusion
Texas is a state full of history, culture, and fascinating facts. Whether it’s the rich history of independence, the stunning landscapes, or the world-famous barbecue, there’s always something new to learn about the Lone Star State. Hopefully, these trivia questions have expanded your knowledge and appreciation for Texas. Keep testing your knowledge and exploring the great state of Texas!
