Texas and Its Bordering States

Texas is geographically defined in many ways in relation to its surrounding states and physical features like the Gulf of Mexico.

1. What are the physical features separating Texas from Oklahoma and Louisiana?

2. What is the purpose of the four-pointed star called a compass rose found just above New Mexico?

3. Define the relative location of Texas using New Mexico and Oklahoma as references.

4. Specify the location of Texas using Oklahoma and Louisiana.

5. In what general direction would you travel from Arkansas to the center of Texas?

6. Critical Thinking: The World in Spatial Terms
New Orleans is located in far southeastern Louisiana. In the 1800s, people had a choice when traveling from New Orleans to Texas of crossing one or the other of two bodies of water. What are they, and why might someone choose one way over another?

Answers:

1. The Red River and the Sabine River separate Texas from Oklahoma and Louisiana.
2. The compass rose is to show directions.