Fun Texas Facts!

I decided to learn something today. I fact, I decided to learn many things. 

I realised that I have been living in Texas for over a year without knowing that it is illegal to graffiti another man's cow! I am putting the lid back on my Sharpie right now. 

Here are some other interesting facts about Texas:

• In Galveston (on the coast of Texas) it is illegal to have a camel run loose on the beach. The thing that makes me chuckle about this one is that it actually had to happen at least once for there to be a law against it.  

• Texas is larger than every country in Europe.

• The state’s cattle population is estimated to be near 16 million. That's one hefty Sharpie bill!

• The phrase “Six Flags over Texas” refers to the six countries that ruled over Texan territory: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, the United States and the Confederate States of America. Texas still maintains its right to fly its flag at the same height as the Stars and Stripes. 

• It is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel. Again, had to have happened. 

• The first word spoken on the moon in 1969 was “Houston.” That's pretty epic. 

• Amarillo has the world's largest helium well. Can you imagine accidentally falling into that thing? You'd sound like a mouse for the rest of your life!

• Billy Bob’s Texas, in Ft Worth, is the world’s largest country-western honky-tonk and includes a 4800-square foot rodeo arena. I just love to say 'Honky Tonk'. Whoever came up with this name for a dance hall was a genius. 

• Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. I wish the inventor's name was actually Dr Pepper, but sadly it was not. Charles Alderton was the man, and he was a humble pharmacist. 

• DFW Airport is home to the world's largest car park. I believe it. EVERYONE drives over here. If you are seen out walking, people will actually stop their cars and ask if you are ok. And by 'ok' they mean 'insane'. It happened to me. 

• An Oak tree near Fulton is said to be around 1,500 years old. And America say they don't have ancient history...

• The name “Texas” comes from the Hasini Indian word “tejas” meaning friends. Aw! The state motto is simply 'Friendship'. 

• Early Spanish missionaries in Texas hoped to encourage the spread of European values by offering flannel underwear to Native Americans. I really hope this is true. Can you imagine?! Flannel is the last thing you want to be wearing in 100 degree heat! I can only imagine what the Native Americans were thinking, and it probably wasn't, "Oh, sweet flannel, where have you been all our lives?"

• For $150 you can become a licensed dead animal hauler in Texas. Erm, no thank you. 

• And lastly, I leave you with this final fact as food for thought:  it is illegal to milk another man's cow.

References:
http://www.50states.com/facts/texas.htm
http://facts.randomhistory.com/texas-facts.html
http://www.lovefortexas.com/lore/amazing-texas-facts/
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-facts3.html