http://www.history.com/photos/texas The vastness and diversity of Texas are evident in nearly all aspects of its physical features, economy, history and cultural life. en Copyright 2013, History.com Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-24T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo1 The state seal is displayed on the gate of the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo2 The world's largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerges to feed at sunset from the Congress Avenue Bridge. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo3 The Dallas Cowboys are among the N.F.L.'s most successful franchises and boasts several Super Bowl victories and many Hall of Fame players, including Emmitt Smith (pictured here). http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo4 The Alamo, located in San Antonio, was the site of a fierce battle in the Texan War of Independence. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo5 Texas produces more fuel than any other state. Here we see oil refinery towers in Corpus Christi. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo6 A Copperhead snake prepares to strike. Texas is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including 400 species of birds. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo7 Michael Stipe of R.E.M. performs at Austin's annual music festival, South by Southwest, in 2008. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo8 An "elephant trunk" tornado spins across the Texas Panhandle, a breeding ground for twisters, in 2007. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo9 Men in Mission Control in Houston watch as the astronauts of the Apollo 13 mission are recovered after the spacecraft was damaged in 1970. http://www.history.com/photos/texas/photo9