Texas joined the Union as the 28th state, after its war of
independence against Mexico and 10 years as a Lone
Star republic, on this day in history, Dec. 29, 1845.

The vast state, larger in area than the nation of France,
joined the union but never lost its sense of independence.

"For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical
appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions,
and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps
stronger than any other section of America," famed author
John Steinbeck wrote in his 1962 travelogue, "Travels with
Charley: In Search of America." (Fox News)