Texas in 1923: A Snapshot 100 Years Ago

Texas a century ago was a vastly different place:

• Population: ~4.3 million (vs. 30+ million today); mostly rural.
• Economy: Cotton, cattle ranching dominant; oil just emerging (Spindletop 1901).
• Transportation: Few paved roads; railroads essential for long distance.
• Major Cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso—each tens/hundreds of thousands.
• Culture: Cowboy/rodeo traditions strong; Mexican, German, Czech influences evident.
• Technology: Electricity spreading; telephones, radio, silent films emerging.
• Education: Not yet compulsory; rural schools sparse; UT Austin flagship university.

The state was on the cusp of massive urbanization and economic diversification driven by oil, highways, and New Deal programs.