Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Texas Today
Oil set the pace for the state's early development, but today's Texas is both diversified
and evolving. The economy has been one of the strongest in the nation for the last dec-
ade, and it just keeps growing. But, then, so too does the population. Demographics
seem ready to shift toward a young, Hispanic majority. And immigration reform is as
hot a topic as they come.
Conservative-Liberal Divide
Texas is a red state with a blue heart. There's
no denying the state has a conservative streak.
During the 2012 presidential election, and in
the three before it, the state's 38 electoral votes
went for Republican candidates, with a 56% to
61% majority. Looking county by county, the
notable and consistent exceptions to the red-
state rule are Travis County (Austin) and Har-
ris County (urban Houston). There is also a lib-
eral majority in the growing Mexican Americ-
an-dominated counties along the rural south-
western border.
Republicans have dominated the Texas Le-
gislature and the governor's office for more
than 10 years. Governor Rick Perry leads the
conservative charge and many expect he's con-
sidering another presidential run. Of the divis-
ive conservative-liberal topics that regularly re-
surface, the ground seems to be shifting on one
- gay marriage rights. Despite a 2005 law ban-
ning gay marriage, a 2013 University of Texas
poll indicates that 28% now support civil uni-
ons and 37% support gay marriage. That's 65%
in favor of some sort of increase in gay rights.
Texas seems to be moseying along the same
Best on Film
Giant
(1956) The life of an oil and ranching
family, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson
and James Dean.
Lonesome Dove
(1989) Miniseries about two
retired Texas Rangers, a small town and a long
cattle drive; based on Larry McMurtry's
eponymous book.
The Alamo
(1960) John Wayne's epic master-
piece.
Urban Cowboy
(1980) Starring John Travolta
and a mechanical bull at Gilley's honky-tonk
outside Houston.
Best in Print
Texas: A Novel
(James A Mitchner; 1985) His-
torical fiction of mammoth proportion.
In a Narrow Grave
(Larry McMurtry; 2001)
Classic essays from the state's most iconic au-
thor.
Drinker with a Writing Problem
(Kinky
Friedman; 2011) Compilation of
Texas Monthly
articles by an outrageous humorist.
Looking for Texas
(Rick Vanderpool; 2001)
Follows the author's 20,500-mile journey photo-
graphing Texas.
A Natural State
(Stephen Harrigan; 1994) Nat-
ural history that evokes the landscapes of Texas.
direction as the rest of the country.
