How Long is Texas? The Great State Stretches On (and On, and On...)
Ah, Texas. The land of longhorns, ten-gallon hats, and wide-open spaces. But just how wide open are we talking, here? You might be surprised to learn that Texas is the second-largest state in the entire U.S. of A., after the mighty Alaska (which, let's be honest, is practically Canada's hat). But within the contiguous United States, Texas reigns supreme in the size department.
So, the burning question remains: how many miles long is this behemoth of a state? Buckle up, partner, because we're about to untangle this geographical mystery.
The Straight and Narrow (-ish)
If we take a ruler and draw a perfectly straight line across Texas, from the northwest corner (think: where Oklahoma and New Mexico do a little jig) all the way down to the Rio Grande River near Brownsville (that's our border with Mexico, amigos), we're looking at a distance of roughly 801 miles (1,289 kilometers). That's a pretty darn long stretch of land, enough to make your average road trip feel like a walk in the park.
Don't Be a Square, Consider the Width!
Now, hold on there, partner. Texas ain't just a skinny rectangle. It's got some curves! If we take a measurement from the easternmost bend of the Sabine River (that's the border with Louisiana, y'all) all the way over to the westernmost bulge of the Rio Grande (up by El Paso), we're looking at a distance of around 773 miles (1,244 kilometers).
There you have it, folks! Texas is long, it's wide, it's got more room to roam than a herd of cattle on a stampede.
Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know that Texas is so big, if it were its own country, it would be the fortieth largest nation on Earth, wedged right in between Zambia and Chile? That's a lot of yeehaw per square mile!
So, How Big is Texas? That Depends...
As you can see, depending on how you measure it, Texas can stretch its vastness in different ways. But one thing's for sure: there's a whole lot of Texas to go around. So, whether you're looking for a road trip adventure, a place to ranch some cattle, or just some wide-open space to contemplate the meaning of life, Texas has got you covered. Just remember, when packing your bags for the Lone Star State, bring your biggest hat and your most adventurous spirit – you're gonna need 'em!
