One example of how the Indigenous influence on Texas identity can be seen in the naming of several cities and landmarks in the state. For instance, the name "Texas" itself is derived from the Caddo word "tejas," which means "friends" or "allies." Additionally, many cities in Texas have Indigenous names such as Amarillo (from the Jumano word "Amarillo" meaning "yellow"), Houston (named after the Cherokee statesman Sam Houston), and Nacogdoches (derived from the Caddo word "Nacogdoche" meaning "place of wild persimmons"). These names reflect the lasting impact of Indigenous cultures on the state's geography and identity.
