Texas law enforcement cordons off the FLDS's YFZ Ranch. Eventually 533 women and children will be taken into state custody.

Discovering Texas: The Lone Star State

Venture into the heart of the South Central United States, and you'll find Texas, a sprawling and vibrant state whose very name, derived from the Caddo word táyshaʼ, signifies 'friends'. This immense state holds the distinction of being the second-largest in the U.S. both by area, after Alaska, and by population, following California. In 2020, its vast 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2) were home to over 29.1 million residents. Texas boasts an extensive array of borders, sharing its eastern flank with Louisiana, its northeast with Arkansas, and its northern edge with Oklahoma. To the west lies New Mexico, while its southern and southwestern reaches meet the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The state also enjoys a significant coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to its southeast.

Its urban centers are equally impressive. Houston stands as Texas's most populous city and ranks as the fourth-largest in the entire U.S., closely followed by San Antonio, the state's second-largest city and the nation's seventh. The expansive metropolitan areas of Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston are recognized as the fourth and fifth largest metropolitan statistical areas in the country, respectively. Austin, the state capital, is notable as the second most populous state capital in the U.S., with El Paso completing the lineup of its other significant cities. Embodying its rich history, Texas proudly carries the moniker "The Lone Star State," a testament to its past as an independent republic and a powerful symbol of its hard-won independence from Mexico. This iconic "Lone Star" prominently adorns both the Texas state flag and its official seal, reminding everyone of its unique heritage.

A Tapestry of Terrains: Beyond the Desert Myth

Despite popular images often associating Texas with the arid landscapes of the U.S. Southwest, this vast state is a true ecological crossroads, shaped by its immense size and significant geological features like the Balcones Fault. Less than ten percent of Texas is actually desert. Instead, its varied terrain draws from both the Southern and Southwestern U.S. regions, presenting a breathtaking panorama that defies easy categorization. As you journey from its eastern borders westward, the landscape dramatically transforms. You'll encounter lush coastal swamps and dense piney woods, transitioning into expansive rolling plains and rugged hills, before finally reaching the dramatic desert and majestic mountains of the Big Bend region. Indeed, many of Texas's major population centers thrive in areas once characterized by prairies, grasslands, forests, and along its vibrant coastline, painting a picture of diversity far richer than the desert stereotype suggests.

A Storied Past: Six Flags Over Texas

The iconic phrase "six flags over Texas" is more than just a catchy motto; it encapsulates the state's intricate and often turbulent history, representing the various nations that have laid claim to its expansive territory. Spain initiated this historical parade, being the first European power to establish control. France briefly entered the scene with a short-lived colony, but it was Mexico that held sway until 1836. That year marked a pivotal moment when Texas, through a fierce struggle, secured its independence and emerged as the sovereign Republic of Texas. A decade later, in 1845, the Republic joined the United States, becoming the 28th state in the Union. This annexation, however, wasn't without consequence, directly contributing to the outbreak of the Mexican–American War in 1846.

As a slave state in the antebellum period, Texas found itself at another crossroads with the advent of the American Civil War. In early 1861, it declared its secession from the U.S., formally joining the Confederate States of America on March 2nd. The war's aftermath and the subsequent restoration of its federal representation ushered in a challenging era, with Texas experiencing a significant period of economic stagnation.

Economic Powerhouse: From Cowboys to High-Tech

The economic narrative of Texas is one of relentless transformation and growth. Prior to World War II, the state's economy was fundamentally shaped by four colossal industries: cattle and bison, cotton, timber, and oil. The cattle industry, a defining feature both before and after the U.S. Civil War, cemented Texas's reputation, giving rise to the enduring image of the rugged Texas cowboy and serving as a primary economic engine. As the 19th century progressed, cotton and timber ascended to prominence, filling the void as cattle ranching became less profitable. However, it was the momentous discovery of vast petroleum deposits, notably at Spindletop, that truly ignited an economic boom, powering Texas's economy throughout much of the 20th century.

By the mid-20th century, Texas had skillfully diversified its economic landscape, embracing burgeoning high-tech industries. This strategic evolution has positioned the state as a modern economic titan. As recently as 2015, Texas proudly hosted the second-highest number of Fortune 500 company headquarters in the United States, totaling 54. Today, its industrial base continues to expand, with the state leading in a wide array of sectors, including tourism, agriculture, petrochemicals, energy, advanced computers and electronics, aerospace innovation, and cutting-edge biomedical sciences. Since 2002, Texas has consistently topped the U.S. in state export revenue and boasts the nation's second-highest gross state product. In a compelling testament to its economic might, if Texas were an independent nation, its economy would rank as the 10th largest globally.

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the FLDS Church, stands as a distinct denomination within the broader fundamentalist Mormon movement, widely recognized for its members' adherence to the practice of polygamy, or plural marriage. This movement itself traces its origins to the early 20th century. Its foundational members faced excommunication from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) primarily due to their steadfast refusal to discontinue plural marriage, a practice that the LDS Church officially renounced in its "Second Manifesto" of 1904.

Controversies and Designations

The FLDS Church has attracted significant scrutiny and controversy, notably being designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. This designation stems from the documented opinions of its leader, Warren Jeffs, on a range of issues including "blacks, women, gays, violence and the end of the world." The Southern Poverty Law Center has further characterized the FLDS Church as "a white supremacist, homophobic, antigovernment, totalitarian cult," a label that underscores the serious concerns raised about its doctrines and practices. More broadly, the group is often simply referred to as a "polygamous cult," highlighting its central and controversial adherence to plural marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas and the FLDS Church

Q: Where is Texas located?
A: Texas is situated in the South Central region of the United States, sharing borders with multiple U.S. states and Mexican states, and boasting a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
Q: Why is Texas called "The Lone Star State"?
A: Texas earned its nickname, "The Lone Star State," due to its period as an independent republic before joining the United States. It serves as a symbolic reminder of its struggle for independence from Mexico.
Q: What is the primary misconception about Texas's landscape?
A: Many people associate Texas primarily with southwestern deserts. However, less than ten percent of its land area is desert; the state features a highly diverse landscape including coastal swamps, piney woods, rolling plains, rugged hills, and mountains.
Q: What does "six flags over Texas" refer to?
A: "Six flags over Texas" refers to the six different nations that have historically claimed or ruled over the territory: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.
Q: What were the historical economic drivers for Texas?
A: Historically, prior to World War II, Texas's economy was dominated by cattle and bison, cotton, timber, and notably, oil, especially after the discovery at Spindletop. Today, its economy is highly diversified, including high-tech, aerospace, energy, and biomedical sciences.
Q: What is the FLDS Church?
A: The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) is a fundamentalist Mormon denomination whose members practice polygamy. It emerged in the early 20th century after its founders were excommunicated from the LDS Church for refusing to abandon plural marriage.
Q: Why has the FLDS Church been designated as a hate group?
A: The Southern Poverty Law Center designated the FLDS Church as a hate group, citing the opinions of its leader Warren Jeffs on "blacks, women, gays, violence and the end of the world," and categorizing it as "a white supremacist, homophobic, antigovernment, totalitarian cult."