Texas is a very interesting state, with lots of history! Texas became the 28th state on December 29, 1845. The first people arrived in Texas over 16,700 years ago. Some Native American tribes that lived here were the Akokisa, Karankawa, Mogollon, and the Comanche. Texas became an independent nation in 1836. Also, a famous battle called the Alamo happened in Texas, that battle lasted 13 days. Texas had trouble fending off hostile tribes so they decided to join the United States. Eventually, Texas left the union in 1861 and rejoined after the Civil War ended in 1870. This state got its name from a Caddo Indian word that means "friends", that is also Texas's state motto "friendship". Texas has a really cool state history and I hope you think so too!