Texas Living

What’s your Texas IQ?

By Kristy Alpert 1.4.16

Whether you’re a Southwestern newbie or a long-time resident, test your Texas know-how with these top trivia questions about the Lone Star State!

  • What is the state bird of Texas? The mockingbird
  • What is the color of Texas’ state flower?
  • What’s the official state pepper? The jalapeño.
  • Which soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885. Dr Pepper
  • Austin is known as the _________ capital of the world. Live music
  • Name six of the eight professional sports teams in Texas Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Houston Astros, Houston Comets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Texas Rangers.
  • Name the State Fair of Texas’ biggest and most famous greeter? Big Tex [Bonus: Which Fort Worth outfitter makes clothes each year for this larger than life Texan? Dickies (or Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company)]
  • Who penned the Texas state song “Texas, Our Texas”? William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. It was adopted as the state song in 1929.
  • Name four of the six flags that have flown over Texas. Spanish, French, Mexican, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and United States.
  • The Armor-plated armadillo is the official state small mammal. What is the official state large mammal? The longhorn
  • The lightning whelk is a seashell found only along the Gulf Coast, and it’s unique because it is one of the few shells that opens on the ____ side. Left
  • The Heisman trophy is named for John William Heisman, the first full-time head football coach and director of athletics for which university in Texas? Rice University in Houston
  • What locally sourced stone gives the Texas Capitol Building in Austin its iconic pink hue? Sunset Red granite

SCORES

  • 0-5 correct — Low Texas IQ: Sure you may not know our trivia, but Texas wants you anyway.
  • 6-10 correct — Average Texas IQ: You’re almost there! Keep testing your skills to become a bona fide Texas Genius.
  • 10-14 correct — Texas Genius: Yee-haw! You sure do know your Texas trivia! Now show off your skills by singing “Deep In The Heart Of Texas” backwards!

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