Texas  is the second-largest U.S. state in both area and population, and the largest state in the contiguous United States. Located in the South Central United States, Texas is bordered by Mexico to the south, New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, and Louisiana to the east.  Nicknames include: Friendship State and Lone Star State..  It was admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.  Texas has Populated Places in 254 counties...