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Quizzes > History

Texas History Trivia: How Well Do You Know the Lone Star State?

Quick, free Texas history quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nicole ShabuninaUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage featuring Texas star longhorn cowboy hat quiz symbols on sky blue background

This Texas history trivia quiz helps you test your knowledge of key events, places, and people in the Lone Star State. Get instant answers as you go, and deepen your practice with Texas trivia questions, try a broader US history quiz, or explore nationwide state trivia.

What is the capital of Texas?
San Antonio
Houston
Austin
Dallas
Austin has been the capital of Texas since 1839, chosen for its central location within the state and its access to the Colorado River. The city grew around the Texas State Capitol building, which remains a focal point today. It replaced Houston and then West Columbia as the capital of the Republic of Texas. .
What is the official nickname of Texas?
The Lone Star State
The Sunshine State
The Empire State
The Golden State
Texas is known as 'The Lone Star State' in honor of the single star on its flag, symbolizing its former status as an independent republic. This nickname emphasizes Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico. The lone star is a key element of Texas's identity and appears on its flag and seal. .
When did Texas officially join the United States?
December 29, 1845
March 2, 1836
February 19, 1846
July 4, 1845
Texas was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845, after its period as an independent republic. President James K. Polk signed the statehood bill, and Texas joined despite concerns over balance between slave and free states. This date marks the end of the Republic of Texas era. .
Which city is known as the 'Space City' because of NASA's Johnson Space Center?
Dallas
Houston
El Paso
San Antonio
Houston earned the nickname 'Space City' when NASA established the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) there in 1961. The facility is responsible for training astronauts and mission control. Houston's connection to space exploration has been commemorated in its museums and civic identity. .
What is the state flower of Texas?
Bluebonnet
Rose
Marigold
Sunflower
The bluebonnet was adopted as the state flower of Texas in 1901 due to its prevalence and beauty across the Texas landscape. Every spring, fields of bluebonnets bloom, becoming a symbol of state pride. The flower belongs to the lupine genus and is celebrated in Texas folklore and festivals. .
In what year did the Battle of the Alamo take place?
1836
1845
1861
1821
The Battle of the Alamo occurred from February 23 to March 6, 1836, during the Texas Revolution. Despite the defeat of Texan defenders, the battle became a rallying cry with 'Remember the Alamo!' and galvanized supporters. It remains a key memory in Texas history and culture. .
Who famously led the Texan forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto?
Sam Houston
Stephen F. Austin
Antonio López de Santa Anna
William B. Travis
General Sam Houston led Texan troops to a decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, securing Texas's independence from Mexico. The battle lasted just 18 minutes and resulted in the capture of General Santa Anna. Houston's leadership is celebrated as one of the revolution's turning points. .
Who was known as the 'Father of Texas' for leading the first successful colonization by bringing 300 families to the region?
Stephen F. Austin
James Bowie
Sam Houston
William Travis
Stephen F. Austin is called the 'Father of Texas' for establishing the first Anglo-American colony in Mexican Texas by bringing 300 families from the United States. His diplomacy and leadership set the template for later settlers. Austin also served as an intermediary with Mexican authorities. .
Which treaty ended the Texas Revolution and recognized Texas independence?
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Adams - Onís Treaty
Treaties of Velasco
Gadsden Purchase
The Treaties of Velasco, signed in May 1836 by Mexican President Santa Anna, ended the Texas Revolution and recognized Texas's independence. There were secret and public treaties that guaranteed safe passage for the defeated Mexican army. The Mexican government later repudiated the agreements, leading to ongoing disputes. .
What major oil discovery in 1901 sparked the Texas oil boom?
Spindletop
Eagle Ford Shale
Permian Basin
East Texas Field
The Spindletop gusher, discovered near Beaumont on January 10, 1901, produced over 100,000 barrels per day and launched the Texas oil boom. It transformed the state's economy and led to the growth of major oil companies. Spindletop's impact ushered in Texas's century of oil dominance. .
During which conflict did Texas secede from the Union and join the Confederacy?
World War I
American Civil War
Mexican - American War
Spanish - American War
Texas seceded from the Union on February 1, 1861, and joined the Confederacy at the start of the American Civil War. The decision reflected tensions over states' rights and slavery. Texas provided men and resources to the Confederate cause throughout the war. .
In what year did Texas ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote?
1917
1920
1915
1919
Texas became the first Southern state to ratify the 19th Amendment on June 28, 1919, by a substantial margin in the state legislature. This ratification preceded national certification in 1920 and was a significant victory for women's suffrage. Texas suffragists had campaigned vigorously for the measure. .
Which Texas president of the United States signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Richard Nixon
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan, signed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 on July 2, 1964, outlawing segregation and discrimination. Johnson's political skill in Congress was vital to passing the legislation. His administration also advanced voting rights and other civil initiatives. .
What is the significance of Juneteenth, first celebrated in Texas?
It marks when the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas
It honors the founding of the Texas Rangers
It commemorates Texas statehood
It celebrates the Battle of Galveston
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the date in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Texas at Galveston. It became the first emancipation celebration in the state and is now a federal holiday. The observance highlights freedom and African American culture. .
Which empresario's contract led to the founding of San Felipe de Austin, the colonial capital of Mexican Texas?
Stephen F. Austin
Martin de León
Haden Edwards
Green Dewitt
Stephen F. Austin's empresario contract with the Mexican government resulted in the settlement of 300 families and the establishment of San Felipe de Austin in 1823. It served as the center of colonial Texas government and commerce. The town was destroyed during the Texas Revolution to prevent its capture. .
The Goliad Massacre occurred after which battle during the Texas Revolution?
Battle of Concepción
Battle of San Jacinto
Battle of the Alamo
Battle of Coleto
After surrendering at the Battle of Coleto on March 19, 1836, Colonel James Fannin and his Texan troops were executed by the Mexican army in what became known as the Goliad Massacre. The event fueled outrage and resolve among Texan forces. It remains a tragic chapter in Texas history. .
What was the 1950 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled the University of Texas Law School must admit an African American student, challenging segregation?
Sweatt v. Painter
Plessy v. Ferguson
Hernandez v. Texas
Brown v. Board of Education
In Sweatt v. Painter (1950), the Supreme Court found that the separate law school Texas created for African Americans was inherently unequal to the University of Texas Law School. This decision chipped away at the 'separate but equal' doctrine and paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education. .
What was the primary economic consequence of the 1920s boll weevil infestation in the Lower Rio Grande Valley?
Farmers shifted to citrus and vegetable crops
Growth of cotton plantations
Decline in sugar production
Collapse of the cattle industry
The boll weevil infestation of the 1920s devastated cotton crops in South Texas, prompting farmers to diversify into citrus fruits and vegetables. This shift transformed the agricultural profile of the region and helped stabilize the local economy. The move away from monoculture cotton reduced future pest vulnerabilities. .
What major military training center was established in Texas in 1942 and became one of the largest Army training installations?
Fort Hood
Camp Bowie
Fort Bliss
Fort Sam Houston
Originally named Camp Hood when it opened in 1942, Fort Hood became one of the largest U.S. Army training posts during World War II. It was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 but remains critical for armored and air assault training. The installation has shaped military readiness for decades. .
Which Texas city was the site of the 'Brownsville Affair' in 1906, involving conflict between black soldiers and local residents?
Lubbock
Houston
Brownsville
Galveston
In August 1906, an altercation in Brownsville led to the dishonorable discharge of 167 black soldiers from the 25th Infantry Regiment without trial. The so-called Brownsville Affair exposed deep racial tensions in early 20th-century America. The soldiers were exonerated decades later. .
Which system of irrigation, first developed in the Texas Panhandle in the 1940s, revolutionized dryland farming?
Drip irrigation
Center pivot irrigation
Furrow irrigation
Flood irrigation
Center pivot irrigation was pioneered in 1948 near Strasburg, Colorado, but quickly adopted in the Texas Panhandle for its efficiency in arid conditions. The rotating sprinkler arms dramatically improved crop yields while conserving water. It remains a dominant irrigation method in dry regions. .
During the Texas Revolution, which Mexican president and general led the Mexican forces and was captured at San Jacinto?
Anastasio Bustamante
Vicente Guerrero
Antonio López de Santa Anna
José Mariano Salas
General and President Antonio López de Santa Anna commanded Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution and was captured after the Texan victory at San Jacinto. His capture forced Mexico to negotiate and recognize Texas independence. Santa Anna later returned to power in Mexico but never regained Texas. .
What was the main legal controversy in the 1951 Hernandez v. Texas Supreme Court case?
School segregation
Land grant disputes
Discrimination against Mexican Americans in jury selection
Voting rights for Mexican Americans
Hernandez v. Texas (1954) was a landmark decision in which the Supreme Court ruled that Mexican Americans and all other racial groups in the U.S. had equal protection under the 14th Amendment. The case challenged the exclusion of Mexican Americans from jury duty in Jackson County, Texas. It expanded civil rights protections beyond black-white racial categories. .
Which New Deal-era program built the Mansfield Dam, creating Lake Travis?
Public Works Administration
Tennessee Valley Authority
Works Progress Administration
Civilian Conservation Corps
The Public Works Administration funded the construction of Mansfield Dam on the Colorado River, completed in 1941, creating Lake Travis as part of the Lower Colorado River Authority project. This New Deal investment provided flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply for Central Texas. It remains a key resource for the region. .
Which river was established as the border between Texas and Mexico by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848?
Rio Grande
Sabine River
Pecos River
Nueces River
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican - American War and recognized the Rio Grande as the international boundary between the U.S. (including Texas) and Mexico. This shift expanded U.S. territory substantially and confirmed Texas's southern border. The treaty remains foundational for U.S.-Mexico relations. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Pivotal Texas Events -

    Summarize key moments in Texas history trivia, including the Alamo, the Texas Revolution, and admission to the Union.

  2. Identify Influential Figures -

    Recognize legendary personalities such as Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin and explain their roles in shaping the Lone Star State.

  3. Recall Early Exploration -

    Describe the impact of Spanish and French explorers on Texas territory and culture during the colonial era.

  4. Analyze Frontier Life -

    Explain the challenges and daily experiences of settlers on the Texas frontier through engaging quiz questions.

  5. Assess Your Knowledge -

    Use this free Texas history quiz to gauge your mastery of Texas history questions and identify areas for further learning.

  6. Compare Historical Perspectives -

    Evaluate differing viewpoints on significant events in Texas history and appreciate the state's diverse heritage.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Early Spanish Exploration (1528 - 1536) -

    Study Ýlvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's arduous journey through Texas as documented by the Texas State Historical Association; a handy mnemonic is "Cabeza = Head for Texas" to remember his name and trek. His firsthand narratives laid the groundwork for future Spanish missions and inform many texas history trivia questions. Cross-reference University of Texas archives for original expedition maps.

  2. Texas Revolution Key Battles -

    Focus on pivotal skirmishes like the Alamo (Feb - Mar 1836) and San Jacinto (Apr 21, 1836), often asked in texas history quiz formats. Use the phrase "Remember the Alamo" as a rallying cry to recall Texian resolve. Consult the Texas Revolution Museum's battle maps for strategic insights.

  3. Republic of Texas and Statehood (1836 - 1845) -

    Review the nine-year Republic period before annexation in 1845; you can memorize the timeline with the rhyme "Thirty-six to forty-five, Texas kept her dream alive." Historical charters from the Texas State Historical Association provide primary documents used in many challenging texas history trivia questions. Note the diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. government for primary source context.

  4. Civil War, Juneteenth & Reconstruction -

    Texas joined the Confederacy in 1861 and famously celebrated Juneteenth on June 19, 1865, marking the end of slavery - often a direct question in free texas history quizzes. Remember "June Nineteenth, bonds unlinked" as a mnemonic for emancipation. The National Park Service's Juneteenth page offers original orders and proclamations.

  5. Spindletop & the Oil Boom (1901+) -

    Spindletop's gusher in January 1901 ignited the Texas oil boom and remains a favorite topic in texas history trivia questions for its "black gold" nickname. Use the formula "Spindletop = 1901 + black gold" to recall the date and impact. The University of Texas' Petroleum Museum archives deliver rich photographs and production data.

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