Why Do Texans Have So Much Pride In ....?

I am a native Texan who considers herself a Texan first and a USA citizen second. Texas is the largest state in the continental US and is birthplace of many famous and infamous people. A lot of important historic events took place in Texas. Even as a kid, you know you are special cause you are from Texas. Everyone in the world has heard of Texas. I was once in South Carolina and was wearing a University of Hawaii t-shirt. A stranger asked me if I was from Hawaii and I answered, "No. I'm from Texas." They replied, "Hey, that's even better!" Downside is that non-Texans think everyone here is a cowboy who rides a horse everywhere.