It was from Grodno that our full-fledged life began. There was no longer any need to get up before dawn and spend the entire daylight hours on the road, admiring the open spaces from the car window.
Grodno has the status of a city-monument of architecture and urban planning. One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Belarus with an amazing history, elegant and cozy in its own way. I have pleasant memories of him.
We entered the city at 19:00. The weather was not good. The dank, cold June evening with rain was more reminiscent of autumn. The employees of Eurocomfort, the company I wrote about in , were responsible, professional and friendly; in a matter of minutes they completed the documents, gave us the keys to the apartments, and at 19.20 we were already settled in a beautiful, cozy apartment.
We spent the evening in a restaurant, enjoying the magical cuisine of Belarusian chefs. Returning to our place of residence after dinner, we noticed that after 10 pm life in the city comes to a standstill. Street lighting is dimming and is not conducive to evening walks to explore the city.
In the morning the sky did not promise dry and warm weather, but what can we do, we came here to see the city, so we hit the road through the puddles.
Advertising - club support
Lenin Square with the obligatory monument to the leader and the building of the City Executive Committee.
Zero kilometer of Grodno. To Moscow – 986 km.
Parking machines are accessible and understandable, with a choice of five languages.
In the rainy weather we found our charm - the city seemed to have washed itself, the freshness of the green foliage and the purity of the air lifted our spirits.
Not far from the square, the city is decorated with a landscape park named after Zhiliber, one of the most favorite recreational places for the residents of Grodno. The park is picturesque and landscaped, located on the banks of the Gorodnichanka River. Due to the similarity of the landscapes, it is also called the “Swiss Valley”.
The street is named after the Polish writer Eliza Orzeszko, where the house-museum dedicated to her literary work is located.
We pass by Mariinskaya women's gymnasium, built in the neoclassical style.
Cathedral of the Holy Intercession with a lace facade and very interesting unusual frescoes inside. The temple was opened in 1905 in memory of fallen soldiers. It amazes with its beauty and interior decoration. Nearby stands a bronze monument to the Virgin Mary holding a veil in her hands.
Across the road is the Lutheran Church, built in 1779 for German manufacturers, a large, beautiful structure in gray and white. A beautiful and mysterious building in the neo-Gothic style.
Central streets with administrative buildings, departments and shopping and office centers.
Panel "Science".
Registry office with a statue of Cupid.
Chugunachny (railway) station.
The rain did not even think about ending, at times it became so intense that it forced us to hide under roofs or run into unplanned shops, where we got acquainted with the assortment of products while waiting out the downpour. These photographs became accidental witnesses of the city's freshness and well-groomed nature, while we were hiding under awnings from the rain.
We finally got our feet wet, ran to the apartment to change our shoes and decided to continue exploring the city by car. But Grodno is not the kind of city that is viewed from a car window in the pouring rain, so it was decided correct solution have lunch. The place was chosen in advance, in the suburbs of Grodno, in agrotourism complex "Garadzenski maentak". I’ll write about the complex and the restaurant next time; it’s worth a separate story. After lunch, we saw the clouds running away into the distance, giving way to the sun and blue sky.
Now Grodno has opened up to us clean, beautiful city with its own face and history.
Sovetskaya Street is the main pedestrian street of the city, paved with tiles, in some places with paving stones, with restored low buildings of the late 19th century, it looks quite European.
The city has many palaces, houses of the nobility of famous merchants, churches, churches, monasteries, architectural monuments different eras and styles. We walked the streets and simply enjoyed the city, spontaneously discovering historical and architectural gems of attractions. I hope to get to know them better next time.
The beautiful brick house of the merchant Muravyov is Art Nouveau style.
Nearby you can see a building from another era - the monumental Palace of Culture of Textile Workers.
On Bernardine Hill stands the picturesque Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross. It intertwined three styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. A fascinating view from the river at sunset, such sunny illumination against the blue sky.
Decoration main square city - the majestic complex of the Jesuit monastery with the Church of St. Francis Xavier (Farny) in the Baroque and Rococo style, with a solemn and magnificent interior. The organ plays at the evening service. One of the towers is decorated with the oldest operating pendulum clock in Europe; it is much older than the church itself. The clock mechanism belongs to the XII - XIV century. The main altar is 21 meters high - unique statues and carvings. It looks like marble but is made of wood.
The consecration of the church was attended by the King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Augustus II and the Russian Tsar Peter I. During the Soviet era, when there was a struggle against religion, they wanted to demolish the church. Residents of the city were on duty around the clock, prayed, replacing each other, and defended their shrine.
Ancient landmark - Kolozha Church of St. Boris and Gleb of Old Russian architecture of the 12th century. has never been rebuilt. True, we could not approach it and looked from the side of the Neman, and there the integrity of the church was least preserved. In the Middle Ages, as a result of a landslide, its vaults collapsed into the river, and on this side it was strengthened with a wooden wall.
The Old Castle is on the right high bank Neman, on Castle Hill. Only the foundation and parts of the walls have survived to this day. A wooden sculpture greets you at the entrance to the museums. Lithuanian prince Vytautas, under whom the Old Castle was rebuilt into a stone one after a fire in the 14th century.
Adjacent to the Old Castle is the New Castle, which was built as the summer residence of the Polish kings. The façade and courtyard are quite modest. During the war, the building burned, then was rebuilt and restored. Now the castle looks more like the House of Soviets. During the war, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt only in 1952. We didn’t have time to get inside; the working day of the historical and archaeological museum was over.
The old castle is connected to the city by a stone arch bridge - the oldest bridge in Belarus.
Between the castles there is a staircase leading down to the river, which is one of the most romantic places in the city. It is called the "Staircase of Love". As the castle guard told us, lovers come here. This staircase has heard thousands of declarations of love. Newlyweds, according to tradition, always come here. The groom must carry the bride in his arms up the stairs - in this case the marriage will be strong. There is also a legend that promises those who go down and up this staircase 100 times happiness in love!
The old bridge over the Neman survived many fires, explosions, and war. Last time it was rebuilt after the Great Patriotic War. This historical place offers beautiful views of castles, the river, and the embankment.
Next to the castles there is another outstanding building of the early 20th century - the Fire Tower. The height of the tower is 32 meters. After the fire in Grodno, in which more than 600 houses burned down, it was decided to build the tallest fire tower, from where the entire city could be seen to see even the smallest fire. Currently, the tower houses the Museum of the Development of Firefighting.
On the front of the depot is a mural depicting the evolution of firefighter uniforms. Take a close look at the girl's face... Who does she remind you of?
I would like to return, be there with my thoughts, and plunge into that atmosphere. We didn’t have time to see the doctor’s house, the ancient pharmacy, the Ozhezhko Museum, the Kasyu and Basyu water towers, Lyamus - a house without nails, the Kolozha Church, the quarry chalk lakes Sinka and Zelenka.
There are a lot of interesting things in Grodno, because mentions of it in chronicles go back to 1128. During its history, the city managed to be part of Principality of Kyiv, Lithuanian, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Russian Empire, Republic of Belarus. The spirit of the city is amazing, its atmosphere, which neither time, nor wars, nor people have destroyed. Grodno, of course, is not a metropolis with scope and splendor. But what makes him so sweet is that there is a certain provinciality, tenderness, fragility, and well-groomedness in him. It's nice to be here.
A definite conclusion: it’s worth coming here for a few days - there’s a lot to see and a place to walk. Come too. The city will open a lot interesting secrets, and in return he will take a piece of your soul.
I'm sure you will love him.
Texas is a state in the southern United States. It ranks 2nd in territory in the United States (696,241 sq. km) after Alaska and 2nd after California in population (25.1 million). Texas is one of the centers of American Agriculture, cattle breeding, education, oil and gas and chemical industries, financial institutions. The state capital is Austin.
Largest cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, Austin, Corpus Christie.
The motto of the state of Texas is Friendship.
Nicknames for Texas include the Lone Star State, the Jumbo State, the Blizzard State, and the Beef State.
The American abbreviation of the state is TX.
Texas state name
The name of the state comes from the Spanish word “tejas”, and then, in turn, from the Indian “taysha”, in the language of the Caddo tribes meaning “friend”, “ally” (the first Spanish explorers of the territory called the Indians who were part of the Hasinai confederation) .
Geography
Texas is bordered by the states of New Mexico (in the west), Oklahoma (in the north), Louisiana and Arkansas (in the east). The southwestern border of Texas is along the Rio Grande River, which separates the United States and Mexico.
In the southeast, Texas is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico.
Eastern and South part Texas are located on the Mexican lowland (coast Gulf of Mexico); rising in the west it becomes the plateau of Eduarde and Llano Estacado. On far west The spurs of the Rocky Mountains begin (up to 2665 m high).
The largest rivers in Texas are the Red River, Trinity River, Brazos River, Colorado River, and Rio Grande River; many small rivers in the central and western parts often dry up.
Most of Texas (centre and north) is plains covered with shrubs, increasingly thinning towards the west, where steppes and deserts begin. In the east and southeast, savannas and oak trees have been preserved. pine forests(sections of the extreme southeast, on the Louisiana border, are significantly swampy).
Climatically, Texas represents two zones: in the south (along the coast) the climate is subtropical, hot; in the central and northern parts the climate is continental with hot summers and cool winters (average January temperatures from 1 to 15°C, July from 25 to 30°C). Texas is characterized by frequent tornadoes in the central part and tropical cyclones on the coast.
As for the airports themselves, these are completely comfortable areas where any traveler can find what he needs. There are also information desks where they will help and explain how to get to the city, as well as taxi stands, restaurants, lounge areas, prayer rooms, storage lockers and much more. Buses are usually located near the exits from the terminals, taxis in a special parking area. I can’t say specifically about all the airports in the State, since there are quite a lot of them, but the approximate cost of a shuttle trip to the center is 10-11 USD. A taxi ride is about 25 USD.
Airport in Houston:
Airport in Dallas:
By train
You can get to Texas by train. The most famous route of the American railway company Amtrak, called Texas Eagle, runs through the entire state, connecting with Los Angeles. Within the state, it makes stops in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Sanderson and other cities. Tickets cost about 150 USD. Sunset Limited trains also depart from San Antonio and travel in two directions: to Los Angeles and to New Orleans. This way of moving suitable for those who, after Texas, travel to these cities or fly to one of the above cities. To know more information about the train and buy tickets online
By bus
The most popular American company that provides bus transportation throughout the United States is Greyhound. Texas is no exception. From my own experience, I can note that the trips are comfortable, sometimes, of course, there are unusual fellow travelers, but still everything goes peacefully. Travel time depends on the route, sometimes it is 2 hours, sometimes 20. There are many buses traveling to Texas, especially to cities such as Dallas, San Antonio. Routes to the sea coast in the south of the region are also popular.
By car
Texas can be reached by car from all parts and Mexico. Residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg will find it convenient to rent a car right at the arrival airport and easily get to the airport via domestic highways I-20, I-35 and US 54. desired city. I advise you to take care of your international license and overnight accommodation in advance, as motels can be busy during high season. You can search for car rental options.
By ferry
The only way, at which you can get to Texas by sea route, is . There are no direct ferries from Mexico to the United States, but there are cruise ships that make stops at Texas ports. This way you can also get to Texas from Mexican territory.
Clue:
Texas - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Ekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Purely in my opinion the most the right time to visit Texas - spring. Since summer temperatures in most areas of the region reach 35-40°, it will not be very comfortable to be there, especially in such dry areas as Dallas. But nevertheless, tourist life will always be busy, since a lot of different events, festivals, concerts, and celebrations take place in Texas all year round. Museums and natural objects are not closed for the winter.
Texas in the summer
Summer in Texas is one of the most seasonal times, especially with the beaches and numerous festivals and holidays. People come here to relax on the ocean coast. The temperature in June is about 27°C, in July and August it is 30-40°C. There are many tourists and even more locals who are trying to escape the sultry heat.
Texas in the fall
There are also plenty of things to do in Texas in the fall, as the temperature is around 20°C, making walking more comfortable than in the summer. During such a period, you can calmly go to any of the cities and plunge into the historical atmosphere of the region. There are enough tourists during this period, but they no longer focus on the coasts, but in large cities like Dallas.
Texas in the spring
Spring is my favorite season to travel to Texas. It seems to me that this is the most suitable period, since in April-May you can already relax on numerous beaches, as well as calmly move between cities without sweltering from the heat. Tourists begin to come here in mid-spring, but there are fewer of them than in summer.
Texas in winter
Winter is not the season for Texas, as during this period there may be strong winds, including tornadoes, and even snow may rarely fall. So I advise you to postpone your trip until spring. In addition, you will not be able to appreciate all the beauty of the region.
Texas weather by month
Clue:
Texas weather by month
Conditional areas. Descriptions and features
So, I would zoning Texas according to geographical location. Thus, the most popular areas among tourists are North, Central and South Texas.
What are the prices for holidays?
- Housing. Since the state is large, and some countries are smaller than Texas, housing depends on location. The most low prices within the state - in the center of the country. Mostly students live here. Therefore, housing will be approximately 700-800 USD per month. In the North or South, on the contrary, prices rise, since the South, for example, is a tourist destination on the Gulf Coast. Accommodation here will be about 1000 USD per month. It is convenient to choose and book accommodation on. You can look at prices for apartments, and compare the cost of hotel rooms by.
- Nutrition. Food prices are basically the same everywhere. If you eat in restaurants, the average bill is about 15-25 USD. You can save money by eating in shops and open street markets, of which there are many here.
- Transport. Getting around the city by public transport usually costs 2 USD per trip. Taxi is about 15 USD for a trip of about 20 minutes.
Main attractions. What to see
Texas attractions can mainly be divided into natural and cultural. People here are very proud of their history, so a large number of ancient buildings, military history museums, old fortresses is not at all surprising. Also, I would say the main pearl of Texas is the Gulf of Mexico, which in itself is a huge attraction.
I advise you to visit both categories of objects, because it is so inspiring!
Top 5
Beaches. Which ones are better
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
- Bullock Texas State History Museum. One of the best museums in the State dedicated to its history. This place is suitable for anyone interested in Texas history and eager to see reconstructions, installations and various models. Cost of visits is 13 USD for adults, 11 USD for students and 9 USD for children.
- Meadows Museum of Art. One of the best art museums in the country, dedicated not only to American art, but also to the Spanish-speaking population. Here you can find paintings by Velazquez and Goya. Cost of admission is 12 USD for adults and 4 USD for students.
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. This museum is very large and is dedicated not just to the history of Texas, but to the history of the entire American nation. Exhibitions here start from dinosaurs and end with modern ones. space exhibits. Entrance is 10 USD. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Parks
Neighboring regions
The most interesting neighboring regions of Texas are by far and. Both one territory and the other deserve a visit and will leave only pleasant impressions. with its ocean coast, Hollywood films and beautiful nature will not leave anyone indifferent except lovers of New York:) it is very similar to Texas, they have a huge related story and is always glad to see all guests. You can get to both places by any transport. Car, plane, train, bus. Some even make forays on foot across the border.
Nearby Islands
Food. What to try
Texas cuisine has absorbed great amount traditions of different countries of the world. The tastes of Native Americans, Mexicans and Europeans intertwine here. Plus, the state is growing so much in this direction that it will be very easy to find vegan and gluten-free places. However, I believe that Texas food has a few main flavors. Here's what to try:
Features of mentality
The Texas mentality cannot be confused with anything else in the world. It is a mixture of patriotism and hospitality. This was the first time in my experience: to see so many people who will stand to the last for their homeland and defend it in any dispute. This manifests itself not only in conversation, but also simply in life: in many homes there are Texas flags, people have tattoos of Texas geographic patterns on their bodies, some still wear hats and cowboy boots as a tribute to their ancestors. As for hospitality, I have never met anyone who treated me badly. Everyone was open to communication.
Texans are a very eclectic people. Here Americans and Mexicans, straight people and sexual minorities, office workers and freelancers, meat eaters and vegans - everyone lives in peace and is always ready to develop.
Holidays
Speaking of holidays in Texas, I want to say that there are a lot of them here. Every city has its own birthday, memorable dates, important events. So it's very difficult to cover everything interesting events. However, I think it is the following five holidays that need to be talked about:
Safety. What to watch out for
As for safety regarding thieves or harassment - here it’s the same as in any civilized city. That is, the percentage of thefts always exists, just as men can harass women quite often. Therefore, I consider trips for girls comfortable and safe.
But regarding the threat to life, this is rather determined natural features- there may be poisonous snakes in the steppes, small scorpions may be found inside houses. I myself saw several - an unpleasant sight. Although they are not life-threatening, if they are bitten you should consult a doctor. There may also be coyotes on the roads. Also, if you are traveling in the summer, you need to remember that it is very hot in Texas and be sure to drink a lot of water and protect your head from the sun.
Things to do
Texas is so large and diverse for one region. There are a huge number of things to do and they vary from city to city. In the south of the state there are a lot of water activities, from the ocean to many rivers. Also in some parts of the region you can ride roller coasters, go to a rodeo, visit a ranch, and you just have to ride horses!
Here I will list some of the most important and necessary activities in Texas:
Shopping and stores
There are all types of stores in Texas. Huge shopping centers, grocery supermarkets, small shops, children's and teenagers' stores, outlets - this is not all that is in Texas. Many large stores offer not only goods, but also entertainment - food courts, roller skating and ice rinks, children's rooms, cinemas and much more.
The most important trading cities in the region they are: Austin (state capital), San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth.
In the south of the state, I would like to highlight Galveston and Corpus Christi - seaside resorts where there is all the necessary infrastructure and shops for a great vacation.
Bars
Although club life in America it is mainly associated with New York or California; in Texas there are a lot of decent establishments. Basically, I think they can be divided into 3 types: standard beer bars, bars with music, Texas-style bars.
- So, the first type refers to those establishments that are open from morning to night, where mainly local residents go. These are bars where people go to just relax after a day of work, watch sports games and just meet friends. There are such places in almost every city in the region.
- The second type are fun, party bars where both locals and tourists go. Most often they are open a little longer than other bars and open during the day. There are concerts with live music or DJs playing here.
- The third type is the so-called saloons. Such bars are aimed at tourists, they host dances, plays, and the design is made in the style of the Wild West.
By far, when it comes to bars in Texas, the best bar and club street is in Austin - 6th street. It is known all over the world, and here everyone will find an establishment to suit their taste.
Clubs and nightlife
Speaking of clubs in Texas, I must say that the nightlife here is in full swing. Clubs, parties, noisy streets - these are all an integral part of Texas society. In all major cities there are not just a few large and popular clubs, but also entire party streets. There are places where pop music plays and people just relax and dance, and there are places where famous DJs play, and then these are huge venues with big amount of people. Also popular are karaoke clubs, where you can both sing and dance.
In Texas, clubs are usually open from 6-7 pm to 3 am. Most often, all clubs accept visitors over 21 years of age, since in the USA adulthood occurs at this age. Some are allowed in until 21, but drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited and special stamps are placed on hands that glow in the dark so that bartenders can see them. Also, most often there is face control and dress control at the entrance. In large cities there is an entrance fee, from 5 to 10 USD. In small towns, entry is often free.
As I said earlier, 6th street in Austin is the most popular street in the state with a variety of clubs. I would also recommend clubs in Galveston, since this is one of the most popular seaside destinations, where clubs are part of life, and there are also a lot of young people who love clubs and nightlife.
Extreme Sports
For me, Texas has become one of the epitome of extreme sports in just one state. You can find a lot here interesting activities.
For example:
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Of course, Texas is primarily known for its cowboy souvenirs. You can buy cowboy boots or a hat. Good leather boots cost about 200 USD. But there are also souvenirs for 30-50 USD. Leather products are also popular, such as a horse belt or saddle. By the way, you can buy a horseshoe for good luck, which will cost a maximum of 10 USD.
Souvenirs with images of bats are popular in Austin, because they live there. Or music records. Music records, by the way, are very cheap here and even recordings by famous performers can cost 3-4 USD.
Mexican ethnic characteristics are also pervasive. As a gift you can buy a bracelet, a figurine or a painting in the Spanish-Mexican style. Such souvenirs are inexpensive, ranging from 10-15 USD. Bracelets generally sell for 1-2 USD.
Also, I noticed that stores sell a lot of bottle openers/lighters/keychains/magnets in the shape of Texas, which will not let you forget about the patriotism of this place.
How to get around the region
Since Texas is the second largest state in America, connecting routes are very important for travel. The most popular means of transport for this is the car. It is also quite convenient to travel by plane, since even a flight from the northern part of the state to the southern part can take more than an hour, which is comparable to a flight from one European country to another. But at the same time it is as fast as possible, considering traveling by car. There is also a bus service transport connection.
Taxi. What features exist
I would call traveling by taxi between regions of Texas a stupid activity. Firstly, it is expensive, and secondly, it takes a long time. A trip from one city to another can take several hours and cost a hefty sum.
So, a typical taxi ride within one area takes about 20 USD. You can call a taxi either through apps on your phone or by phone. There are also taxi ranks. He cannot be caught on the road - only hitchhikers behave this way in America. Card payments are much more common than cash.
By bus
The most popular public transport to get around Texas, it's buses. They can be used to get from one city to another, as well as from Texas to Mexico. Most often, buses run on the Austin - Houston route. Travel time is about 3 hours, ticket cost is about 20 USD one way. There is also a Dallas-Austin route. Travel time is about 4-5 hours, cost 30 USD.
Also, depending on the complexity of the route, trips can be made with transfers of 1-2 hours at one of the local bus stations.
The most popular companies that operate these trips are Greyhound and Megabus. Tickets are most often purchased online, although they can also be purchased at bus stations. For example, I bought online.
Transport rental
A car is the main means of transportation for getting around Texas. It is very comfortable to travel on, dear roads, all highways are illuminated. Toll roads In my travels around Texas, I haven’t seen it, but the price for gasoline is a little less than 2 USD per gallon.
You can rent a car not only in large cities, but also in small ones. Most often, this will require international rights and insurance. Rental prices usually start from 40-50 USD per day. Rental counters can be found both at airports and in the cities themselves.
Since the United States is a car-driven country, many campgrounds and motels can be found along all popular highways and highways. Most often they are all the same and inexpensive.
The most important highways in the state are:
- I - 20. This highway connects Dallas - Fort Worth - Arlington, and then goes towards Louisiana.
- I - 35. Crosses the entire state. It starts at the US border with Mexico, goes through, then towards Dallas and further to Oklahoma.
- I - 37. Begins in the city of Corpus Christi, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and goes to.
- I - 45. Originates on the coast in Galveston and connects the cities with Houston.
Also, there are a lot of motorcycles on the road in Texas, so that's something to keep in mind.
Texas - holidays with children
Texas is very a good place for holidays with children. Almost all cities have playgrounds, parks, zoos, and an aquarium. In addition, children will have fun on a beach holiday, where animators also work.
Also in America, children's centers are very popular, which are also available in Texas. There children will be able to play and learn something new.
But, having lived here for some time, having visited different places, on the coast, in the western and eastern regions, in large cities of the state, I realized how beautiful and attractive it is for living. It is no coincidence that over the past two years, Texas has overtaken both California and Florida in the number of immigrants from other parts of the United States.
What makes Texas different? This is the second largest US state after Alaska, its territory is 695.62 thousand square meters. km. or 7.5% of the entire country. This is much larger than France, or approximately Germany and Great Britain combined. Texas is second only to California in population, with 23 million people. Texas is often called the "Lone Star State" because its tricolor flag has only one star. It can also be called the state of cowboys, the state of oil workers and the state of two Presidents Bush.
Texas joined the United States as the 28th member under the Treaty of December 29, 1845. By this time it was already an independent, internationally recognized republic. Therefore, Texas is the only state that has the right to hold a popular referendum on the issue of secession and independence. Also, Texas, the only one in the United States, is allowed to fly its flag on the flagpole at the same level as the national flag.
A little history .
The name of the state comes from the word “Tayshas,” which means “friend” or “ally” in the language of the Caddo Indian tribe that once inhabited these lands. The Spaniards, the first Europeans to arrive in these regions at the beginning of the 16th century, recorded this word as “Tejas”. And in English language it has already transformed into “Texas”. Before early XIX century, the territory of Texas, along with Mexico, was part of the Spanish colony “New Spain”. In 1820, the American Moses (Moses) Austin acquired 800 square kilometers of land in Texas, near the Brazos River, from the Mexican government. Three years later, his son Stephen Austin transported 300 American families, and then another 1200. Thus began the “Americanization” of Texas. By 1836, 50 thousand Americans lived here and only 3.5 thousand Mexicans.
By this time, Mexico was no longer a colony of Spain, but was an independent republic, and according to the constitution of 1824, slavery was abolished there. The Americans in Texas were not satisfied with such a constitution; they were supporters of slavery. The disagreement led to the war between Mexico and Texas. In the territory current city San Antonio was home to the Spanish Catholic mission “San Antonio de Valero,” or otherwise, the Alamo, which was a small fortress.
In January 1836, it was occupied by 200 American troops, and soon, in February, the Mexican army under the command of the Mexican President himself, General Lopez de Santa Ana, approached the fortress. The Mexicans kept the fortress under siege for two weeks, almost all of its defenders died. And now to the Alamo memorial museum. A couple of months later, in May, General Sam Houston gathered under his command big army and at the town of San Jacinto he won a decisive victory over the army of Santa Ana. Lopez de Santa Ana himself was captured.
After this battle, on May 14, 1836, an armistice agreement was signed, and Mexican troops were withdrawn across the Rio Grande River. And at the end of 1836, Texas declared itself an independent republic, and a constitution was adopted confirming the right to slavery. The first president of the republic was Sam Houston, whose name now bears Big City Texas.
Nature of Texas.
The state stretches for 1244 km from west to east and 1289 km from north to south, it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in the south, and borders Mexico in the southwest along the Rio Grande River. It neighbors New Mexico in the east, Oklahoma in the north, and Arkansas and Louisiana in the east. Occupying a vast territory, it has a very diverse nature. Extends approximately 80−100 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico flat plain, with heights from one to one hundred and twenty meters above sea level. It was here that the first Texas oil was discovered in 1901. By the way, more than 25% of all US oil reserves and about 30% of natural gas are concentrated in Texas.
When you drive from Houston, located 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, north towards Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio, the terrain gradually becomes hilly, very picturesque, and after 50 miles outcrops of limestone layers appear, crushed into folds. On this limestone plateau, in several places there are karst caves of different depths and beauty (I have already written about them).
The border with Mexico and the state of New Mexico stretch mountain ranges Trans-Pecos, where the highest peak in Texas is located, Guadalupe peak (2667 meters high). national park Guadalupe Mountains National Park), 60 miles from El Paso.
Another national park, Big Bend, in the middle reaches of the Rio Grande, has a deep canyon not much smaller in size than the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River in Arizona. It takes 10-11 hours to travel from Houston to Big Bend. In Big Bend Park, in addition to mountains and various gorges, there is the Chihuahua Desert, and in April cacti and agaves bloom there, so a lot of tourists go there to admire the bright, unusual flowers. In general, there are 13 national parks in Texas.
Like all states, Texas has its own natural symbols: a flower - Bluebonnet (literally translated as blue bonnet) - blue-violet, from a type of lupine, and a bird - Mockingbird (mockingbird).
Texas lies almost entirely in subtropical zone, and with the exception of mountainous areas, the climate here is very mild and warm. On the Gulf Coast the temperature almost never drops below +4, +5 degrees, in northern regions They also don’t have time to feel winter; if snow does happen, it only lasts for two or three days. In the west, in the El Paso area, there are only 44 days with precipitation, and in Houston rainy days, with heavy rainfalls, more than 110 per year. At the end of summer and autumn, powerful hurricanes - tornadoes - hit Texas, some years there are up to hundreds of them. There are especially many tornadoes in the Red River Valley. The north of the state is occupied by steppe spaces with tall grasses, perfect place for cattle breeding. In the southwest and west there are deserts and dry steppes, with a variety of cacti and agaves. When you drive east, towards Louisiana, you are struck by pine forests mixed with oak, ficus, low palm trees, all intertwined with evergreen vines. Pecans, similar to walnuts but slightly smaller and oblong in shape, grow well here.
In the southern part of the United States, on the endless American Plains, lies the state of Texas with its main. To the south lie the mighty Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The border with Mexico also runs here.
Locals are accustomed to dividing Texas into four parts: the Great American Plains, the Mexican Lowlands, the Variable Elevation Region, and the Interior Lowlands. Interestingly, each region of the state has its own cultural, historical and social characteristics.
Texas is dominated by subtropical, mountainous and continental climates.
Texas is an incredibly beautiful state, impressive and surprising with the diversity of its landscapes: mighty mountain ranges, caves created by nature itself, deep canyons, blue lakes, beautiful bays, cozy small towns and villages scattered throughout the state, as well as the largest metropolises built with skyscrapers .
Currently, Texas ranks one of the first places in the development of livestock breeding and agriculture in the country. It is a large industrial, cultural, historical and economic region USA.
State history
Several thousand years ago, the lands of Texas were inhabited by Indian tribes. Their main occupation was fishing, hunting and gathering.
In the mid-16th century, the Spaniards arrived in the state. From this period, crowds of “white” migrants from Europe and other parts of the United States flocked here in search of uninhabited lands.
As a result, in 1835, the Caddo Indian tribes abandoned their lands and transferred them to the ownership of the United States. Oklahoma became their new home.
At the end of the 17th century, Texas passed into the possession of the French kingdom. Only in 1803, as a result of the signing of the Louisiana Sale Treaty, the state again became part of the United States.
A few decades later, Mexico claimed its rights to these lands. I didn’t like this development of events at all. local residents, so after 15 years, Texas received the status of a Republic and became independent.
In 1845, the Republic of Texas was granted statehood.
After World War II, Texas experienced rapid economic development. A large railway line was built across the state. At the beginning of the 20th century, several oil fields were discovered.
Now Texas is a successful, prosperous state with a fairly developed infrastructure and economy. Active production of natural gas and oil is carried out on its territory. Cattle breeding and agriculture are developing well.
State attractions
Arriving in Texas, it is impossible not to visit the glorious city. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the Johnson Space Center, the city art museum, the skyscrapers of Downtown, the natural history museum, and a children's museum. History buffs should see the Rothko Chapel Church, the famous George Brown complex and the city historical Museum. There are several wonderful parks in the city: Houston Historical Park, Orange Show - a park of ancient sculptures and a magnificent botanical garden. Incredible natural scenery awaits visitors to scenic Clear Lake.
– a city of romantics, poets and musicians. In the center of the city stands a proud, majestic palace built in the Spanish style. Nearby is the tall, impregnable Tower of the Americas.
Fiesta Park provides a wonderful holiday for the whole family. On its territory there is a huge number of interesting attractions. Numerous cafes, playgrounds and cozy recreation areas are scattered throughout the park.
The pride of San Antonio is its unique octagonal skyscraper, reminiscent of a tall Gothic tower in shape. It is truly an unsurpassed architectural masterpiece.
Famous for its narrow ancient streets. Connoisseurs of classical music simply must visit the city's Symphony Center. Art lovers will love the Dallas Museum of Art and the large Nesher Sculpture Center.
The city of Austin offers an interesting tour of the Capitol. Before the eyes of tourists opens a beautiful ancient building, made in the style of an elegant Renaissance. Numerous art galleries and art museums invite art lovers.
Nestled among the green hills and blue lakes of Austin is the beautiful Pennybacker Arch Bridge. It reaches 351 meters in length.
For those who like a quiet, secluded getaway, Abilene Reservoir is the place to be. Here tourists can relax from the bustle and noise of the city. The reservoir is a large artificial lake, around which there is a magnificent park. Hundreds of tourists come here every day, have picnics, go fishing, or just walk through the park and enjoy the fresh air.
Recreation and entertainment
One of the most popular resorts in Texas is the resort of San Antonio. There are several wonderful sandy beaches on its territory. And in the evenings, numerous night bars and clubs open their doors.
Magnificent beaches stretch along the entire Gulf Coast. Famous beach resorts in Texas are Cala Bassa, Cala Gracio and Cala Salada.
Texas Big Bend National Park is an ecotourism paradise. The park is located on the banks of the Rio Grane River. It resembles a “green island” of wild nature.
For lovers active rest Houston would be a good fit. The city has a huge number of sports centers and grounds.
- Translated from the Indian dialect, Texas means “lone star.”
- Texas ranks first in cotton growing, oil production and wool production.
- Texas is the birthplace of hamburgers.
- In Texas, anyone can easily purchase a gun.
