Southeast Texas

Southeast Texas is a special part of the U.S. state of Texas. It sits close to Southwest Louisiana and the area known as Acadiana. This region is part of East Texas and includes big cities like Greater Houston and Beaumont–Port Arthur.

Many people live in this area. In the year 2020, more than 7 million people called Southeast Texas home, according to the 2020 U.S. census. The region is important because it has busy cities, natural resources, and a mix of different cultures. It’s a place where history and modern life come together.

Geography

Southeast Texas includes part of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and most of the Texas portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. The area is crossed by many rivers and streams, with the largest being the Sabine River, the Neches River, and the Trinity River.

The land near the coast is low, flat, and often marshy. The Piney Woods extend into the northern parts of the region. The highest point on the coast is at High Island. Away from the coast, the land becomes hilly with mixed forests.

Golden Triangle

Main article: Golden Triangle (Texas)

The Golden Triangle is an area in extreme Southeast Texas near the Louisiana border. It is formed by the cities of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange. The name "Golden" comes from the wealth created by the Spindletop oil discovery in 1901. The area holds the annual South Texas State Fair in Beaumont.

Big Thicket

The Big Thicket is a forested area just north and northwest of Beaumont. The Big Thicket National Preserve protects part of this area, showcasing its diverse plants and wildlife. About 65,000 people visit each year. Two important old routes cross the Big Thicket.

Galveston Bay

Main article: Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is a large body of water along Texas' upper coast. It is fed by the Trinity River, the San Jacinto River, and the Gulf of Mexico. The bay is important for fishing and marine life.

Climate

Southeast Texas has a warmer winter and cooler summer compared to the rest of the state. The region gets more rain than other parts of Texas and has wet and dry seasons. This area is influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, making it more humid.

The region can be compared to Southern Louisiana in climate. Average rainfall in the Golden Triangle is about 60 inches per year, while other parts get over 40 inches. Southeast Texas is vulnerable to hurricanes. Major hurricanes in recent years include Hurricane Rita in 2005, Hurricane Ike in 2008, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Weaker storms also affect the area regularly.

Culture

The culture of Southeast Texas shares much in common with Acadiana in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, more so than with West Texas. Many people there have kept their Cajun and Creole heritage alive, showing it during festivals like Mardi Gras. The area has deep roots in traditions that have lasted for many generations. Like much of northern and eastern Texas, Southeast Texas is part of the Bible Belt, where many people have strong Protestant Christian beliefs. The Catholic Church in the United States has also played an important role since the time of Spanish explorers. In smaller towns away from Houston, many people still live in a rural Southern style, seen in their way of speaking, behaving, and the food they eat, known as cuisine.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Houston; List of companies in Houston; and Beaumont, Texas § Economy

In the cities of Southeast Texas, important jobs come from energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Houston is the biggest city and the main economic center, with many big companies based there. Outside the cities, agriculture, tourism, and small business also play big roles in the local economy.

Higher education

The University of Houston System is the biggest university system in Southeast Texas. Other important schools in the area include Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, the University of Saint Thomas, and Houston Christian University. In Houston, Rice University was ranked 15th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. Near Beaumont, Lamar University is a key center for higher learning.

Sports

Within Southeast Texas, the city of Houston and its surrounding areas have a strong love for sports. People there enjoy watching and playing many different sports. Spectators can cheer for four major professional sports teams and also watch collegiate sports events; Beaumont is another important place for college sports.

People in the area can participate in many activities, such as running in Memorial Park or sailing on Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. There are also many fencing clubs available, from fun clubs to serious competitive groups.

Major league

Collegiate

Transportation

Southeast Texas has many highways that connect the areas around Houston and Beaumont to the rest of the Gulf Coast region of the United States and the Texas Triangle. The biggest airports in this part of Texas are all located in the city of Houston.