11 Quirky Facts About Texas That Sound Made Up (But Are 100% True)

The saying "don't mess with Texas" may have come from an anti-littering campaign, but it still certainly applies to the many fun, quirky things about the Lone Star State. So many facts about Texas almost sound unbelievable, but are 100 percent true. For starters, the state is home to the largest rose garden in the country, and its State Capitol building is taller than the U.S. Capitol.

Curious for more? Here are 11 fun facts about Texas that seem made up, but are totally accurate (and they might just surprise you).

1. The State Is Nearly 800 Miles Wide

This one might not be hard to believe—Texas is big. In fact, the city of El Paso is closer to the city of Needles, California, than it is to Dallas. No wonder locals tend to measure distance in time rather than miles.

2. 'Don't Mess With Texas' Was an Anti-Litter Campaign

"Don't mess with Texas" was created in 1985 by the Texas Department of Transportation as part of a campaign to help cut down on littering along the highways. At first, officials worried the phrase would come off too harsh, but after being featured in a 1986 commercial with blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughn, the saying stuck. Nowadays, Texans primarily use the phrase as a show of grit and moxie.

3. The Capitol Building Is Taller Than the U.S. Capitol

Everything really is bigger in Texas—so much so that the state Capitol building is taller than the U.S. Capitol. The building, located in downtown Austin, opened in 1888 and is still considered one of the most iconic government buildings in the country.

4. It Has the 3rd-Tallest Ferris Wheel in the U.S.

Speaking of tall things, Texas also has the third-largest Ferris wheel in the country. The Texas Star Ferris wheel stands at a whopping 212 feet tall and is the main attraction at the annual Texas State Fair. You can take it for a spin—and enjoy other fair activities and food—every year from late September through mid-October.

5. It's Home to the Largest Urban Bat Colony

Texas is home to many urban bats. Every summer night, people gather on the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin to watch approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly through the sky. While Bracken Cave in San Antonio is the true home of the world's largest bat colony, it isn't as easily accessible as this notable landmark.

6. The State Has Its Own Pledge of Allegiance

Not only is Texas one of 16 states with its own official pledge of allegiance, but the state flag also flies at the same height as the American flag. Catch students reciting the pledge at the beginning of every school day, or from spectators at the kickoff of sporting events. Safe to say: Texan pride runs deep.

7. The State Has a 'Texas German' Dialect

German immigration to Texas peaked in the mid-19th century, and the new arrivals developed their own spin on the language. To this day, you'll often hear "Texas German" in Hill Country towns such as Fredericksburg and New Braunfels. Exploring both towns will also reveal fascinating historical sites, wineries, and other local architecture teeming with German influence.

8. The State's King Ranch Is Larger Than Rhode Island

King Ranch, located in South Texas, covers about 1,300 square miles of land—that's larger than the entire state of Rhode Island! The ranch was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King and is considered the birthplace of American Ranching. Since its opening, the ranchers have bred thousands of thoroughbred horses and cattle. Now, you can tour the grounds, explore the ranch's museum, and even attend the annual Ranch Hand Breakfast in November.

9. It Has the Only City Named 'Earth'

In the panhandle of Texas—Lamb County, to be exact—you'll find the only city on Earth called... Earth. This rural community is home to about 937 people, and beyond its unique name, it's been known for grain and cotton production. Now, people visit for the photo-ops with the signature town signs.

10. The State Had 6 Different Nations Ruling Over It

Fun fact: The popular theme park Six Flags got its name from this story. During the state's 1936 Centennial Celebration, a display called "Six Flags of Texas" officially debuted. This represented the six nations that once claimed parts of the Lone Star State, including Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the U.S.

11. It Boasts the Nation's Largest Rose Garden

Need to stop and smell the roses? The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden—the largest rose garden in the country—offers plenty of space for that. Situated on 14 acres of lush land in Tyler, Texas, the garden boasts more than 450 rose varieties and 30,000 plants overall. Visit the grounds all year round or during peak rose season in April or October.

There you have it: 11 quirky facts that just might make Texas the best state in the U.S. While they may seem pie-in-the-sky, these interesting tidbits are indeed facts, and what help make the Lone Star State what it is. Ready to visit and learn more? Get personalized trip ideas using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.