In Modern Day Texas (Post-1972), students in grades 6-8 will explore the evolving landscape of Texas in the modern era. Rapid change continues to shape the state while its deep traditions endure. From a booming population and thriving cities to its rich cultural heritage, this book provides a comprehensive look at how Texas has grown and adapted in recent decades.

Texas remains defined by its “Texas Spirit”—a sense of pride and connection to its history and land. Even as the state becomes more urbanized, millions moving from rural areas to cities, Texas holds onto its traditions. Ranching, small-town festivals, Tex-Mex cuisine, and high school football are just a few of the long-standing customs that continue to define its culture. Modern Texans also actively preserve their history, with historic sites such as the Alamo, Presidio la Bahía in Goliad, and the battlefield at San Jacinto drawing visitors from all over. Texans can also experience their culinary heritage in places like West, Texas, known for Czech kolaches, or Lockhart, the state's barbecue capital.

Texas’s deep connection to its past is evident as home to three presidential libraries honoring Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. Historical tourism and preservation efforts are thriving across the state, demonstrating Texans' commitment to remembering those who paved the way before them.

However, significant changes are reshaping Texas. One major shift is the growing urbanization of the state. While Texas is often associated with its cowboy image, most Texans now live in urban areas, raising questions about how this shift will affect the state’s identity. Another critical change is Texas’s growing diversity. In 2004, Texas officially became a “majority-minority” state, with its Hispanic population continuing to rise and contributing to the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

Aligned with US History curriculum standards for grades 6-8, this book offers students an insightful look at contemporary Texas. Through engaging narratives and historical context, students will learn how Texas is a place of constant change and a state deeply rooted in its past, shaping its future as part of the new millennium.