By Ann Miller
This Texas Adventure Book
belongs to
Published by Around the World Kid Adventures
P.O. Box 1502
Sugar Land, Texas 77487-1502 U.S.A.
www.CaptainBret.com
© 2011 by Ann Miller. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any
means without the written permission of the author.
Howdy Y’all: A Texas Road Trip with Cowboy Tex and Rex
ISBN: 978-0-9843200-8-0
Library of Congress #: add here
Book Publication, 2015
Printed in Texas
Non-toxic ink used and in compliance with CPSIA
Illustrated by Ann Miller using personal photographs and additional photographs and graphics
from Dreamstime, Shutterstock and Dollar Photo Club. 1836 Texas Map courtesy of the
University of Oregon; Texas map courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Public
domain pictures: Original Spindletop photo by John Trost, January 10, 1901.
Acknowledgements
Editorial comments by Linda Smittle. A special thank you to Stormy for collaborative contributions
and encouragement. Also, thanks to other family and friends for help and support.
Reading levels:
Ages 6 - 8
Read together with adult
Ages 9 - 12 Independent young readers
Children of all ages will enjoy the pictures.
Adults will love it too!
Also, an educational resource for teachers
Printed in Texas by Texans
For more adventures around the world, visit us at:
www.CaptainBret.com
Written and Illustrated
by Ann Miller
For more adventures around the world,
visit us at:
www.CaptainBret.com
Howdy y’all!
I’m Cowboy Tex
and this is my dog
and best friend, Rex.
Forgive my Texas slang, but here in the south we say
y'all. It means you all.
Rex and I want to show y'all around this great state.
We call Texas the Lone Star State and we are called
Texans. You might think Texas is only cows and
cowboys, but it is so much more! I have lived in Texas
all my life so ‘this ain’t my first rodeo’ meaning I have
traveled Texas many times. I know some great places
to show you and we’ll meet some Texas friends along
the way.
So, git in my Texas truck and fasten your seat belt.
We’re going deep in the heart of Texas to show you
what Texas is all about. Yeehaw!
Talkin’ like Texans
Before we start our road trip and meet some of my
friends, I want to tell ya a little bit about Texas. Let’s
start with our language. You will hear words that are
not proper English, but Texans and people in the
south have developed their own style of language so if
you see words written in italics that is Texas Slang,
so please cut us a little slack.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
y’all
ya
yeehaw
ain’t
’cause
fixin’
fer
fer piece
git
gonna
gotta
headin’
ho bunch
honky tonk
howdy
mighty
mosey along
pert near
purdy
reckon
skidaddle
sho iz
thankee
-
you all
you
expression of excitement
is not
because
preparing to
far
long distance away
get
going to
have to/need to
going
large amount/whole bunch
entertainment establishment
hello
intensifying (very)
leisurely manner
pretty near; close by
pretty
intent or to think
to leave
sure is
thank you
All About
Texas
Texas got its name from the Native American word
Tejas which means friends. Texas was a republic
(an independent nation) from 1836 to 1845. It is the
only state that was a Republic before joining the
Union. It is also the only state to
have flags of six different
nations. The countries that
governed Texas include:
Spain 1519-1685; 1690-1821
France 1685-1690
Mexico 1821-1836
Republic of Texas 1836-1845
Confederate States 1861-1865
United States
1845-1861;
1865-present
How big is Texas?
Texans say ‘everything’ is bigger in Texas. The state
of Texas is mighty big – over 268,000 square miles.
It is 773 miles wide by 790 miles in length. It was the
largest state before Alaska became the 49th state in
1959. This short poem describes the size of Texas:
The sun has rose
And the sun has set
And we ain’t out of Texas yet!
Republic of Texas
When Texas was a republic, it was even larger than
it is today. The map below shows the Texas Republic
in 1836.
After Texas became the 28th state of the United States
of America in 1845, Austin became the official capital.
During its struggles as a Republic, Texas
accumulated huge debts. So in 1850, Texas gave up
parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico
and Wyoming in exchange for $10 million from the
U.S. Federal Government. This was part of the
Compromise of 1850.
Texas History
at a Glance
• Before 1500
Several Indian tribes occupied Texas
• 1500’s
Spanish explorers were the first to explore
and map Texas
• 1817-1820
Pirate Jean Laffite occupied Galveston
Island and used it as a base for smuggling
• Jan. 3, 1823
Stephen Austin received a grant from Mexican
government to bring 300 families to Texas
• Oct. 2, 1835
Battle of Gonzales
• Mar. 2 1836
Texas declared its independence from Mexico
• Mar. 6, 1836
Battle of the Alamo - William B. Travis
• Mar. 27, 1836
Battle of Goliad - James Fannin
• Apr. 21, 1836
Battle of San Jacinto; Texas wins
independence from Mexico
• Dec. 29, 1845
Texas joins the Union as the 28th state
• Nov. 25, 1850
Texas sells 1/3 of its territory to relieve debts
• Feb. 1, 1861
Texas secedes from Union
• Jan. 1, 1863
Battle of Galveston during the Civil War
restored Galveston to Texas (Confederate)
control
• May 13, 1865
Battle of Palmito Ranch in south Texas last land battle of Civil War
• Mar. 30, 1870
Texas rejoins the Union
Texas State Nickname
The Lone Star State
Texas State Song
Texas, Our Texas
Texas State Motto
Friendship
Texas State Flag
Lone Star Flag
Red (bravery)
White (purity)
Blue (loyalty)
Large white star used during
Texas/Mexico battles
Texas State Bird
Texas State Flower
Northern Mockingbird
Bluebonnet
Texas State Large Mammal
Texas State Small Mammal
Texas Longhorn
Nine-Banded Armadillo
Texas has a number of geographical regions. We
are headin’ to Washington-on-the-Brazos in the
Hill Country for our first stop. It is an enjoyable
ride in the springtime with all the purdy
bluebonnets, the Texas State Flower, in the Hill
country and south Texas. And, y’all will see some
famed Texas Longhorns! Did ya know that Texas
Longhorns have horns up to 7 feet tip to tip?”
Washington-on-the-Brazos
Replica of Independence Hall
Birthplace of Texas
Texas Declaration of Independence
signed here in 1836
Washingtonon-the-Brazos
Tex said, “This is our first
stop, Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Chuck, the chuck wagon and Texas
State Vehicle, will tell ya a little about this location and
why we’re starting here on our Texas tour.
“Howdy folks!” said Chuck. “This historic site located
on the Brazos River is very important ’cause
Washington-on-the-Brazos is known as the birthplace of
Texas. Texas declared its independence from Mexico
here in 1836. A replica of Independence Hall marks the
location where the Texas Declaration of Independence
was signed and the government of the Republic of Texas
was born. Did ya know Washington-on-the-Brazos was
one of five temporary capitals of the Republic of Texas
in 1836? The others included Harrisburg, Galveston,
Velasco (now Freeport) and Columbia (now West
Columbia). In 1837, Sam Houston moved the capital to
Houston. In 1839, the capital was moved to Austin.”
“Thankee Chuck,” said Tex. “This indeed is an historic
site. Now we are headin’ to Austin, not fer from here.”
Chuck said, “On your way to Austin, you will see a
ho bunch of purdy bluebonnets.
Austin
Texas State Capitol
Austin
Tex said, “This is Austin, just
100 miles from Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Barry, the Mexican free-tailed bat and the Texas
State Flying Mammal, will tell ya about Austin.
“Howdy folks, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Barry.
“Austin, located on the Colorado River, has been the
capital of Texas since 1839. Austin was
named after the Father of Texas,
Stephen F. Austin. Did ya know that
the Texas State Capitol is taller than
the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.?
Austin is also the ‘music capital of the
world.’ Rex is gettin’ in the spirit and
playing his guitar, the Texas State
Musical Instrument, with the locals.
Did ya know Austin has the largest urban bat colony in
North America? Up to 1.5 million
Mexican free-tailed bats make the
Congress Avenue
Bridge
Congress Avenue Bridge their
Bat Colony
home in the spring and summer.
Let’s sit and watch my friends
fly around.”
Tex said, “Wow Barry, that
sho iz a lot of friends and
amazing to watch them fly! Now it’s time
to skidaddle to San Antonio. Thankee, Barry!”
San Antonio
River Walk
Alamo
San Antonio
Tex said, “After traveling
southwest about 80 miles, this is San Antonio.
Hal, the Jalapeno and Texas State Pepper will
show us around.”
“Howdy, y’all! Welcome to San Antonio,” said Hal.
“San Antonio borders on the Texas Hill Country. It is
famous for the Alamo and the beautiful River Walk. San
Antonio is rich in Texas History. The Battle of the Alamo
in 1836 played an important role in the Texas Revolution.
For 13 days about 200 brave Alamo defenders fought over
6,000 of General Santa Anna’s troops. Heroic leaders
Jim Bowie, William B. Travis, David Crockett and other
brave men gave their lives for Texas independence.
The River Walk, along the banks of the San Antonio River,
is visited by millions of people each year. It was originally
designed to prevent city flooding, but today it’s a hot
vacation spot. Let’s take a River Walk cruise.
Did ya know the first jalapeno pepper jelly originated in
Lake Jackson in 1978? Also, did ya know the Texas State
Snack is tortilla chips and salsa?
Now let’s relax on the River Walk with
some great music and chow.”
Tex said, “Rex put on a sombrero
and is having fun. Wow, San Antonio
is fun! Now we have to head south.
It’s a fer piece down to Brownsville.
Thankee, Hal.”
Brownsville
Battle of Palo Alto
Brownsville
Tex said, “We finally
made it to Brownsville
after 278 miles. Leo, the
Horned Lizard and Texas State Reptile will show ya
around Brownsville.”
“Howdy, y’all!” said Leo. “Brownsville is at the
southern most tip of Texas on the Texas-Mexico border
on the northern bank of the Rio Grande River. Today,
three international bridges cross the U.S.-Mexican
border between Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros,
Mexico.
The Battle of Palo Alto, not far from Brownsville, was the
first major battle in the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Another battle took place at Resaca de la Palma.
Brownsville began as a fort named Fort Texas. It was
renamed Fort Brown by General Zachary Taylor in honor
of Major Jacob Brown who died during the siege.
In 1848, a town grew around Fort Brown and was named
Brownsville. A cannon now marks the spot where Major
Brown fell at Palo Alto. Did ya know when Major Brown
was buried, his dog refused to leave his gravesite for
days? That why your dog is your best friend.”
Tex said, “Rex sho iz my best friend. Thankee for
the tour, Leo. Now we gotta git going to
Corpus Christi.”
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Tex said, “This is
Corpus Christi - about
165 miles from Brownsville.
Sean, the Seagull, will show ya around.
He looks mean, but he is really a friendly Texan.”
“Hi, y’all!” said Sean. “Welcome to Corpus Christi. It
is the largest city on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Port of
Corpus Christi is the sixth largest port in the U.S. and
also the home to the Naval Air Station. Corpus Christi
(meaning Body of Christ in Latin) started as a trading
post in 1839. General Zachary Taylor set up camp
during the Mexican-American war in 1845. It became
an official city in 1852.
Did ya know the King Ranch, located
nearby, is one of the world’s largest
ranches? It is larger than the state of
Rhode Island. Also, Padre Island is a
also nearby. Did ya know that the
Lightning Whelk is the
Texas State Shell?
Let’s go relax at the beach.”
Tex said, “Rex and I enjoy
the beach, Sean. Now, we
gotta git going to Galveston
since it is a fer piece northeast.”
Galveston
Galveston
Tex said, “We are finally in
Galveston after traveling 259 miles
northeast along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Pecos, the Pelican, will tell ya all about it.”
“Glad to see y’all!” said Pecos. “This is Galveston Island.
In 1796, it was named after Bernardo de Galvez, a Spanish
colonial governor. In 1936, Galveston became a temporary
capital of the Republic of Texas when first Texas Republic
President David Burnet and his cabinet arrived in
Galveston after fleeing from the Mexican army in
Harrisburg. General James Long helped Texas win its
independence. His wife, Jane Long, gave birth to the first
native Texan on Bolivar Peninsula and was given the
name, the Mother of Texas. In 1836, Galveston was
established and Congress made Galveston a port in 1837.
Galveston became known as the Wall Street of the
Southwest. Galveston was a booming financial center
until it was hit a huge hurricane.
Did ya know the Great Storm of 1900 became the deadliest
natural disaster is U.S. history killing over 6,000 people?
The city had to be rebuilt and elevated with a seawall
added to protect the island.”
Tex said, “Rex loves the Galveston
beach on the Gulf Coast too!
“Thank ya for the tour, Pecos.
Now we are headin’ to
Houston, not fer from here.”
Houston
U.S.S. Battleship Texas
San Jacinto
Monument
Houston
“This is Houston, only
51 miles from Galveston,”
said Tex. “Heidi, the American Quarter Horse
and Texas State Horse, will show ya around.”
“Howdy!” said Heidi. “Houston was named after Sam
Houston. He led the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 that gave
Texas its independence from Mexico. The San Jacinto
monument marks the victory. He moved the capital of
Texas here in 1837 before Austin became the capital in
1839. In 1901, the Texas Oil Boom began
with Spindletop, the first major gusher in
Texas in the nearby city of Beaumont. The
Spindletop
Texas Oil Boom, the Port of Houston, the
Houston Ship Channel, and later the American
space program all helped Houston to become the largest
city in Texas and the fourth largest in the U.S.
Did ya know that the Texas State Ship is the U.S.S.
Battleship Texas? It was used in World War I and II. The
battleship, battleground and monument are located in the
San Jacinto Battleground Park.
Did ya know the Texas State Sport
is the rodeo? The annual Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo is the
world’s largest rodeo event. Rex feels
right at home with all these cowboys.”
“Heidi, thankee for the tour of Houston,” said Tex.
“Now we are headin’ north to Dallas.”
Dallas
Dallas
“We are now in Dallas
after traveling 239 miles,”
said Tex. “Mona, the Monarch Butterfly and the
Texas State Insect, will show ya around.”
“Hi, y’all!” said Mona. “Welcome to Dallas. It is one of
the largest cities in Texas. Dallas was started as a
settlement in 1841 by John Neely Bryan.
“Did ya know that the Texas State Fiber or Fabric is
cotton?” asked Mona. “Cotton was a main
industry in 1900. When oil was discovered
in 1930, Dallas quickly became the
financial center for the oil industry. Today,
the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest
metropolitan area in Texas.
“Did ya know Dallas hosts the
annual State Fair of Texas? It
features Big Tex, the tallest cowboy
in Texas, since 1952. The famous
52 foot statue caught fire in 2012
and had to be rebuilt. The new, taller
55 foot Big Tex came back in 2013.
Also, Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments,
invented the first integrated circuit in 1958.”
Tex said, “It is great seeing Big Tex, but now we are
gonna mosey along to Fort Worth since it is
pert near.”
Fort Worth
Fort Worth
“
“We are now in Fort Worth
about 33 miles from Dallas,”
said Tex. “Logan, the Longhorn
and Texas State Large Mammal, will brag on Fort Worth.”
“Howdy y’all!” said Logan. “Fort Worth is on the West
Fork Trinity River. Its nickname is ‘Cowtown’ since it was
on the Old Chisholm Trail. Fort Worth started as an
outpost in 1849 and became the center of cattle drives
and the ranching industry. Real cattle drives are held
daily at the Fort Worth Stockyards? Look at Rex, he
wants to rope one of those longhorns! So, let’s watch
the cattle drive. Then we can hang out
at a honky tonk (country music dance
hall) and even learn the Texas two-step.
Did ya know the Cowboy Boot is
the Texas State Footwear?
Did ya know Fort Worth is part of the
Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex and is the
home of the Texas Motor Speedway?
Also, a large percentage of U.S. paper
money is printed at the U.S. Bureau
of Engraving and Printing here.”
Tex said, “We’ll have to take a raincheck
on the two-step dance lesson, ’cause
we gotta head north to Amarillo.”
Amarillo
Palo Duro Canyon
Amarillo
“After traveling 343 miles
north, we finally are in
Amarillo,” said Tex. “Alli, the
nine-banded armadillo and Texas State Mammal
will show ya around Amarillo.”
“Howdy!” said Alli. “Amarillo, which means yellow in
Spanish, was nicknamed ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’ and is
in the Texas Panhandle. The panhandle, larger than nine
other states, got its nickname from the shape of a pan
handle. In 1541, Francisco Coronado was the first
European to cross the area. In the late 1700's, a portion
of the El Camino Real went through the Amarillo area
bringing much trade. In 1918, natural gas was
discovered and the oil boom began in 1921.
Did ya know that Amarillo is home to Palo Duro Canyon,
the largest canyon within the state of Texas, second
only to the Grand Canyon? That is how it earned its
nickname as the Grand Canyon of Texas.
Amarillo is also the home to the Cadillac Ranch. Junk
Cadillac automobiles
are made into works of art
and sculptures partially
buried in the ground.”
Tex said, “Thankee for the
tour, Alli. We are headin’
southwest to El Paso.”
Cadillac Ranch
El Paso
El Paso
Tex said, “Here is El Paso.
It is around 438 miles
traveling southwest. Cactus Chris, the Prickly
Pear Cactus and Texas State Plant, will tell us about
El Paso.”
“Hi y’all!” said Cactus Chris. “Welcome to El Paso, the
western-most corner of Texas. Juarez, Old Mexico, Texas
and New Mexico all come together in this one area.
El Paso and Juarez (across the Rio Grande) is the largest
International Metroplex in the world. The Rio Grande River
is one of the longest rivers in North America and acts as a
natural border between the United States and Mexico. It
travels 1,900 miles from the mountains of Colorado
through El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico.
Did ya know that the distance from El Paso to Houston
is about the same distance from El Paso to San Diego,
California?
El Paso’s Wild West began with the
‘Four Dead in Five Seconds’
gun battle on El Paso Street in
front of today's Camino Real Hotel.
Famous folks like Billy the Kid,
Wyatt Earp, and Pat Garrett also
roamed the dusty roads of El Paso.”
Tex said, “I love hearing about the Wild West, but now we
gotta git to Big Bend National Park. Mighty thanks
for the tour and history lesson, Cactus Chris.”
Big Bend
National Park
The Rio Grande River
and the breathtaking cliffs
of Santa Elena Canyon
separate Texas and Mexico
Big Bend
National Park
Tex said, “After 329 miles, we finally reached
our last stop at Big Bend National Park. Melodie,
the Northern Mockingbird and Texas State Bird,
will give you a bird’s eye view.”
“Howdy!” said Melodie. “Welcome to beautiful Big
Bend National Park located in southwest Texas. It
has over 800,000 acres and borders Mexico along
the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande River flows and
turns more than 1,000 miles throughout spectacular
canyons and forms the ‘big bend’ and separates
Texas from Mexico. The beautiful Chisos Mountains
are located entirely in Big Bend National Park. The
Santa Elena Canyon has breathtaking cliffs over
1,000 feet tall.
Did ya know the mockingbird can sing up to 200
songs, including imitating
songs of other birds?”
Tex said, “Big Bend National Park
sho iz purdy. Rex is
snapping a few shots.
before our long ride
back home. Thankee
for the tour, Melodie.”
Y’all
Come
Back
Soon
“Well folks, that’s the end of our Texas road trip with
my friends all over Texas,” said Tex. “We traveled over
2,000 miles and Rex is
doggone tired and ready
for a nap. “We saw some
great places in Texas, but
that is only a start.
Y’all come back! Ya, hear?
Did Ya Know?
More Texas Fun Facts
• Texas has 3 of the top 10 populous cities in the U.S.Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
• The world’s first rodeo was held
at Pecos, Texas in 1883.
• More land is farmed in Texas than any other state.
• Texas cattle population is estimated at 16 million.
• The invention of the barbed wire closed the open range
and contributed to the end of the
trail-driving era and Chisholm Trail.
• Texas had the first domed stadium in the country. The
Astrodome was built in 1965.
• Texas has the largest herd of
whitetail deer.
• More species of bats live in Texas than any other state.
• Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no
period after the Dr in Dr Pepper.
Did Ya Know?
More Texas State Symbols
Texas State Tree and Nut
Native Pecan
Texas State Fruit
Red Grapefruit
Texas State Fish
Guadalupe Bass
Texas State Pastry
Apple Strudel
Texas State Vegetable
Sweet Onion
Texas State Dish
Chili
Texas State Shrub
Crepe Myrtle
Texas State Grass
Sideoats Grama
Fun Games
on a Texas Road Trip
While driving in Texas, play the alphabet game.
Find things that begin with each letter. List below.
A __________________
N _________________
B __________________
O _________________
C __________________
P _________________
D __________________
Q _________________
E __________________
R _________________
F __________________
S _________________
G __________________
T _________________
H __________________
U _________________
I __________________
V _________________
J __________________
W _________________
K __________________
X __________________
L __________________
Y __________________
M __________________
Z __________________
Fun Games
on a Texas Road Trip
Find the location of these Texas towns and other natural
areas on the map below. Then check your answers using
this Texas book.
13
12
12
___ Amarillo
___ Galveston
____ Austin
____ Brownsville
____ Corpus Christi
____ Dallas
____ El Paso
____ Fort Worth
____ Houston
____ San Antonio
____ Red River
____ Rio Grande River
____ Big Bend National Park
Fun Games
on a Texas Road Trip
Match the letter of each picture to the correct answer in the right
column. The answers are at the bottom of this page, but no peeking
until you match all the words.
___ 1. Longhorn
B
C
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
2. Spindletop
3. U.S.S. Battleship Texas
4. San Jacinto Monument
5. Northern Mockingbird
6. Alamo
7. Horned Lizard
8. Armadillo
D
E
F
G
H
Answers
1. H
2. B
3. E
4. A
5. C
6. G
7. F
8. D
A
Fun Games
on a Texas Road Trip
Find and circle the hidden words in the letter puzzle.
Hint: Words may share letters or be upside down.
Answers below, but no peaking until you are finished.
AH O
RME
ML C
DR A
OI P
L O N
L G A
I R I
DA N
AN B
MD R
RE E
AMT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
U ST
R CE
N CX
X DA
A I S
G HO
B L U
G KR
A UT
Q J E
F RX
L NA
MOS
ON
BB
KD
US
P L
RN
E B
E H
E V
J P
NC
RD
AL
Austin
Bluebonnet
Texas our Texas
Longhorn
Alamo
J
A
C
T
A
L
O
N
O
J
E
A
I
J
B
C
I
N
N
N
Z
I
S
K
L
S
GA
P B
AC
NC
HE
AF
NE
DH
L I
E J
XQ
L A
AG
A
L
A
M
O
D
T
A
R
G
O
S
R
6. Rio Grande
7. Panhandle
8. Houston
9. Dallas
10. Armadillo
Howdy y’all! Join Cowboy Tex and
his dog, Rex, on an exciting and
educational road trip around the great
State of Texas.
Experience Texas with beautiful
photographs and entertaining characters
to learn about Texas history, geography,
famous landmarks and much more. The
interactive exercises are fun and
reinforces learning.
Age Groups
Ages 6 - 8 Read together with adult
Ages 9 - 12 Independent readers
Children of all ages will enjoy the photos
Adults will love it too!
Also, an educational resource for teachers
For world travel adventures, visit us at:
www.CaptainBret.com
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