Geography: Place called Texas: Coastal plains -- Central plains -- Great plains -- Mountains and basins -- Texas water -- History: Colorful past: First Texans -- Spanish missions -- To arms! -- Remember the Alamo! -- Republic of Texas -- Battle of San Jacinto -- Texas becomes a state -- Cowboys and cattle -- Oil story -- People: Patchwork of cultures: Spanish connection -- Recipe: Pedernales River chili -- Up from slavery -- European presence -- Asians today -- New faces -- Government: Government of the people: Local government -- Three branches -- Tough on crime -- Schools -- Economy: Making a living: Riches of the earth -- Goods and services -- Agriculture -- Ups and downs -- Landmarks: Travel through Texas: Dallas--Fort Worth -- Austin -- San Antonio -- Panhandle -- El Paso and the Rio Grande -- Houston and Galveston -- State survey -- Find out more -- Index.