Incorporating the latest scholarship, this text chronicles the development of the political, economic, and social identity of Texas through the unique insight of three authors. The thematically arranged text covers the full scope of Spanish exploration and colonization efforts, as well as the transformation of the Texas economy and society in the 20th century.The first theme, "Texas as place," presents the state as a crossroads of geographies and cultures, while the second theme, "Texas as opportunity," features the progression of visitors, immigrants, and Native Texans as they learn to make use of the resources the region offers. The third theme, "Texas as 'cultural centrifuge,'" focuses on the convergence, separation, and emergence of various cultural groups in the state.