HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Friendship StateEarly Spanish Explorers of
the area we know today as
TEXAS were greeted by
Indians /Native Americans with a word
later spelled TEJAS, an exchange that
translated FRIEND.
Today, following the 1930 adoption
of FRIENDSHIP as the official MOTTO of
TEXAS, Children, Daughters, and Sons
of REPUBLIC of TEXAS, exchange a
HIGH FIVE in SALADO, saying PASS IT
ON!
THE
FRIENDSHIP
STATE
A NOTE TO VISITORS: Three hundred years ago —
while there were still only 12 British colonies
struggling on the East Coast —the Spanish had
already named a vast wilderness empire Texas
(or Tejas), their pronunciation of a Caddo Indian
word meaning "friends_" The name stuck; so did
the meaning behind it.
In 1930, the Texas Legislature adopted
"Friendship" as the state's official motto. It's
appropriate, especially for a state that's among
national leaders in hosting tourists and travelers_
Texans are well aware of this heritage, and are
actually rather proud of it. As you travel Texas,
keep an eye and ear tuned for "the Friendship
State" in action. You'll see "Drive Friendly"
reminders on our highways. Cruising long West
Texas miles, don't be startled when an approach-
ing driver lifts a hand as you swish past; he's just
signalling "howdy." At cashier stands, accept the
words "Y'all come back" at face value; they mean
it
So do we. Enjoy the Friendship State, and come
back when you can_ Texans like company.
1
THE TRAVEL MAGAZINE of TEXAS
1-4 1 G H W A Y S
FRIENDSHIP
C E L E B R A T I N G
30 YEARS
TEXAS
Early Texas governments continuing
through Republic of Texas years 1836-
1846 suffered from arguments and
depressions often because
they had no money to
operate.
When Texas was
accepted as the 28 State of
the USA, December 29, 1845
(becoming official February
19, 1846) a sale of lands to
the US that trimmed the
boundaries as they
are today cancelled
the burdening
debts.
Because of the
decade as an
independent
Republic, Texas is the only State
permitted to fly the State Flag at the
same height as the Flag of the USA.
MARCH 3, 1836
4E11RUARY.19,1846