Take a look at the perceptual regions map of Texas below. Remember that perceptual regions are interpretations; therefore, the boundaries on the map may be different from one map to the next. Find the Heart of Texas and click on it.The state of Texas is the largest state in the contiguous United States. There are more than 25 million people who live within nearly 270,000 square miles of land. The geographic traits of the state are as diverse as its population.
If you were to take a trip across Texas in any direction, the landscape would change from start to finish. Texas extends from sea level at the Gulf of Mexico to over 8,000 feet in the Guadalupe Mountains of far West Texas and from the semitropical Lower Rio Grande Valley to the High Plains of the Panhandle.
Click on the link below to see a map that illustrates the natural regions of Texas. These regions are named for the natural geographic features that characterize the region.
Another way to look at Texas is through perceptual regions. A perceptual region is based on human feelings and attitudes about certain areas. Instead of geographical regions, these regions are defined by people’s shared thoughts about the area. Examples of perceptual regions are the Rio Grande Valley, the Piney Woods, and Big Bend.
Some perceptual regions may not have specifically defined geographic borders. The names of these spatial units may reflect characteristics of important names associated with the area, such as the Panhandle or the Golden Triangle. There are many ways to define a perceptual region; the interpretation depends on the people and places that form them.
Take a look at the perceptual regions map of Texas below. Remember that perceptual regions are interpretations; therefore, the boundaries on the map may be different from one map to the next. Find the Heart of Texas and click on it.
→ Analyzing the map: In which perceptual region do you reside? How did your perceptual region get its name? What is unique about your perceptual region?
Texas is sometimes divided by its popular regions, illustrated on the map below. These seven major regions are named for their relative locations and include sub regions that may extend into more than one region.
Click on each region below.
→ Think about this: In which region do you live? Would you add information about your region? If so, what would you add?
It is through these popular regions that we can determine each region’s cultural characteristics. The cultures of these areas are influenced by the geographic area, economic activity, and people who live there.
Click on the link below to watch an interactive video about the culture of Latinos in South Texas.
→ Quick reflection: What changes are taking place in the Latino societies of South Texas? What is the difference in the way that the wealthy, middle-class, and lower class families celebrate the young women in their societies? Why do you think those differences exist?
Now that you have taken a glimpse at the different regions of Texas, you will now learn more about the people of Texas.
Sources for images and videos used in this section, as they appear, top to bottom:
