5 Texas Facts That Still Blow My Mind Today

I've lived in several countries and traveled all over the world thanks to my military family upbringing. I've seen incredible places, cultures, and traditions.

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Yet no matter where I've been, Texas continues to amaze me.

As Texas recently celebrated 190 years since declaring independence, I started thinking about some of the facts that make our state so unique. Some of these I learned as a Boy Scout. Others I discovered later in life. Either way, they remind me why the Lone Star State is unlike any other place in America.

I've always heard people say, "Everything's Bigger in Texas." The older I get, the more I realize that saying isn't just about size. It's about history, pride, and the larger-than-life character of the Lone Star State.

Here are five Texas facts that still blow my mind.

#1 - Texas Is Nearly 800 Miles Wide

Texas is big. Really big.

Photo by: Jana Birchum/Getty Images

One of the first facts that amazed me was learning that Texas stretches nearly 800 miles across at its widest point.

Here's the part that really gets people: El Paso is actually closer to the California state line than it is to Dallas.

No wonder road trips across Texas can feel like traveling through several different states.

#2 - The Texas Capitol Is Taller Than the U.S. Capitol

Everything's bigger in Texas, right?

That includes our State Capitol.

A large building with a dome on top of it

The Texas Capitol in Austin stands taller than the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. While not by much, it's still one of those facts that Texans love to share with visitors.

It's a fitting symbol for a state known for thinking big.

#3 - Texas Is Home to One of the World's Largest Bat Colonies

If you've ever visited Austin, you've probably heard about the bats.

flock of birds flying in the sky during sunset

The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world. During the warmer months, hundreds of thousands of bats emerge each evening, creating a sight that attracts visitors from around the globe.

It's one of the most unique wildlife attractions anywhere in Texas.

#4 - Texas Has Its Own

As a Boy Scout, I learned the importance of respecting our nation's flag.

What surprised me later was learning that Texas also has its own Pledge of Allegiance.

blue white and red flag

Many Texans grew up reciting both the U.S. Pledge and the Texas Pledge in school. While Texas isn't the only state with a state pledge, it's certainly one of the few where people still know it by heart.

#5 - King Ranch Is Bigger Than Rhode Island

This one may be the most unbelievable of all.

King Ranch in South Texas covers more than 800,000 acres, making it larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images

When you stop and think about it, that's an incredible amount of land owned and operated as a working ranch.

Why Texas Still Amazes Me

Maybe that's why Texans still say, "Everything's Bigger in Texas."

Sure, we have big ranches, big skies, and long highways. But I think what really makes Texas special is the pride Texans have in their state.

As Texas celebrates 190 years since declaring independence and more than 180 years of statehood, these facts remind me why the Lone Star State continues to stand apart.

I've lived in a lot of places over the years, but there's still nothing quite like calling Texas home.

Read More: Why Texas Is A Top Choice For Summer Road Trips