Where is aaaaa Located in the United States?
Where is Texas?
Texas is located in the southern United States and is the second-largest state in both area and population. It spans vast landscapes from arid deserts to lush forests, making it one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. Texas (TX) has a population of approximately 29.5 million, covering an area of 268,596 square miles, making it the second-largest U.S. state by land area. Its capital is Austin, and the largest city is Houston. Texas became the 28th state to join the Union in 1845. It operates across two time zones: Central Time Zone (CT) for the majority of the state and Mountain Time Zone (MT) for parts of the western regions.
Bordering States
Louisiana
To the east, Texas shares a 362-mile border with Louisiana. This region is characterized by bayous, rivers, and wetlands, reflecting the blend of cultures between the two states. The Sabine River runs along much of the boundary, and cities like Beaumont and Houston in Texas are economically tied to Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. The proximity of the Gulf of Mexico also creates shared fishing and shipping industries between the two states.
Arkansas
Arkansas is located to the northeast of Texas, with a relatively short 190-mile border. This boundary, demarcated largely by the Red River, connects the two states culturally and economically through agricultural trade, timber, and manufacturing. Towns like Texarkana are split by the Texas-Arkansas border, representing the close ties between the two states.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma borders Texas to the north, with a border stretching nearly 540 miles. This is one of Texas’ longest borders, characterized by shared plains and agricultural areas. Major highways and railroads connect cities like Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas to Oklahoma’s capital, Oklahoma City, creating strong economic linkages.
New Mexico
To the west, Texas shares a 500-mile border with New Mexico, where the landscape transitions from plains to desert and mountains. This border connects the two states via cities like El Paso and Las Cruces. The region is known for its cultural blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American influences and is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals.
Mexico
Texas also shares an international border with Mexico that spans over 1,200 miles. The border is primarily defined by the Rio Grande River, separating Texas from Mexican states like Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Major border cities like El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen are hubs for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Mexico.
GPS Coordinates
Texas extends from 25.8°N to 36.5°N in latitude and from 93.5°W to 106.6°W in longitude. Its vast geographical spread means the state covers diverse climates and ecosystems.
The northernmost point of Texas is located near the town of Texhoma, at 36.5°N, along the Oklahoma border in the Texas Panhandle. This area is part of the Great Plains, characterized by flat, open farmland and cattle ranches, which dominate the state’s agricultural industry.
The southernmost point of Texas is at 25.8°N, near the town of Brownsville, at the mouth of the Rio Grande where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. This southern tip is known for its tropical climate, featuring hot temperatures and proximity to South Padre Island, a popular tourist destination.
The easternmost point is located at 93.5°W, near the town of Orange on the border with Louisiana, along the Sabine River. This region is heavily forested, part of the East Texas Piney Woods, and is also influenced by the marshy wetlands typical of the Louisiana border region.
The westernmost point of Texas lies near the town of El Paso at 106.6°W, along the state’s border with New Mexico. El Paso, located at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, serves as a major gateway between Texas and the southwestern U.S., as well as Mexico.
These GPS coordinates place Texas in a unique geographic position, stretching from the temperate zones of the north through central plains, all the way down to the subtropical zones near the southern border, offering a wide range of climates from arid deserts to humid coastal plains.
Levels of Elevation
Texas experiences considerable variation in elevation, with its highest point in the far western region and its lowest point along the Gulf Coast.
The highest point in Texas is Guadalupe Peak, located in the Guadalupe Mountains near the New Mexico border, with an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level. Guadalupe Peak is part of the Chihuahuan Desert and provides some of the state’s most dramatic landscapes. The surrounding area is a protected national park, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views of the mountainous terrain.
In contrast, the lowest point in Texas is at sea level along the Gulf of Mexico. This low-lying coastal region is characterized by sandy beaches, wetlands, and estuaries. The Gulf Coast plays a crucial role in Texas’ economy, particularly through industries like oil, shipping, and tourism. Cities such as Galveston and Corpus Christi sit close to these low elevation areas, serving as major ports for international trade.
Between these two extremes, much of Texas consists of rolling plains and lowland areas. The Texas Hill Country, located in central Texas, features elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 feet. This region is known for its scenic beauty, limestone hills, and rugged terrain, forming a natural boundary between the coastal plains and the arid west.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Texas’ most extreme geographic points span across its vast and diverse landscapes, from the humid coastal plains to the arid deserts of the west.
The easternmost point of Texas is near the town of Orange, along the Sabine River, which separates Texas from Louisiana. This region is part of the Piney Woods area, characterized by dense forests, wetlands, and rivers. The Sabine River serves as a critical waterway and resource for the surrounding agricultural areas.
The westernmost point is found in the Chihuahuan Desert near the town of El Paso at the point where Texas borders both New Mexico and Mexico. This area is known for its arid climate, rugged desert landscapes, and proximity to important border crossings like El Paso’s connection to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The region’s mountains and desert terrain contrast sharply with the lush eastern regions of the state.
The northernmost point lies near Texhoma, a town on the Texas-Oklahoma border in the Panhandle region. This area is part of the Great Plains and is dominated by flat, open prairies used primarily for cattle ranching and agriculture. The climate here is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters.
The southernmost point is located near Brownsville at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. This region is characterized by its subtropical climate and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the warmest areas in Texas. Brownsville is a key gateway to Mexico and a cultural and economic hub in the Rio Grande Valley.
Major Mountains
Although Texas is often associated with its vast plains and deserts, the state also boasts significant mountain ranges, particularly in the western regions.
The Guadalupe Mountains, located in far western Texas, are home to the state’s highest peak, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,751 feet. This mountain range forms part of the larger Chihuahuan Desert and is characterized by its rugged limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a protected area that offers hiking, camping, and scenic views, drawing nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
The Davis Mountains, located in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas, are one of the highest mountain ranges in the state, with elevations exceeding 8,000 feet. This range is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and is home to Mount Livermore, the highest peak in the Davis Mountains at 8,378 feet. The nearby McDonald Observatory takes advantage of the area’s dark skies and high altitude, making it one of the best places for stargazing in Texas.
The Chisos Mountains, located in Big Bend National Park, are another prominent mountain range in Texas. The Chisos are unique in that they are the only mountain range entirely contained within a national park. The highest point in the range is Emory Peak, which rises to 7,825 feet. The Chisos Mountains are known for their diverse ecosystems, ranging from desert lowlands to forested peaks, and are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Texas is home to several significant rivers and lakes that shape its geography, support its agriculture, and provide recreational opportunities.
The Rio Grande is the longest river in Texas, forming the border between the U.S. and Mexico for nearly 1,900 miles. The river plays a crucial role in the water supply for agriculture in both countries and provides water for cities such as El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville. Along the river’s course, it passes through canyons and desert landscapes, particularly in Big Bend National Park, where it forms dramatic natural boundaries.
The Red River serves as the northern boundary between Texas and Oklahoma, running for 1,360 miles. Known for its distinctive red clay sediment, the river is a key water source for agriculture and has played an important role in the history and culture of the region.
The Sabine River, located along the eastern border between Texas and Louisiana, stretches 510 miles and is a vital waterway for industries in the region. It also flows into Sabine Lake and the Gulf of Mexico, supporting commercial shipping and fishing activities.
Texas also has numerous man-made lakes and reservoirs, primarily built for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Lake Texoma, located along the Texas-Oklahoma border, is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, providing water for both states and serving as a popular spot for fishing and boating. Similarly, Lake Travis, near Austin, is a significant reservoir on the Colorado River, offering recreational activities and water storage for the growing central Texas region.
