Texas Pride
A short look at why Texans hold onto their state's identity so tightly — and what that looks like day to day around Lake Livingston.
Texas is one of the few places in the country where the state's identity is practically its own brand. Ask most Texans why, and you'll get some version of the same story: independence, land, and a work ethic that goes back generations. We're a fence and gate company, so we spend most of our time on property lines rather than history books — but the two aren't as separate as they sound. A fence is, in a lot of ways, a physical marker of the independence and self-reliance this state was built on.
A short history of Texas independence
Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, following the Texas Revolution and battles that are still taught in every Texas classroom — the Alamo among the best known. The Republic of Texas existed as its own nation for nearly a decade before joining the United States in 1845. That period of standing alone as an independent republic is a big part of where the state's identity comes from, and it's not something many other states can claim.
Ranching and rural heritage
Beyond the history books, a lot of what people mean by "Texas pride" is rooted in ranching and rural life — cattle, open land, and the fences and gates that go with managing it. East Texas in particular still has a strong rural and agricultural character, even with towns like Onalaska, Livingston, Coldspring, and the rest of the Lake Livingston area growing. Farm and ranch fencing isn't a relic out here — it's still a daily, practical part of how land gets used and managed.
What Texas pride looks like today
Around here, it shows up in pretty ordinary ways — a flag on the porch, a truck with a Texas sticker, land that's been in a family for generations, or just the way people talk about the place they're from. It's less about grand gestures and more about a consistent, quiet sense of ownership over the land and the lifestyle that comes with it.
Built Strong, Built Texas
That's part of why our tagline is Built Strong · Built Texas. We've been a locally owned S corporation since 2005, building fences, gates, and outbuildings for property owners across this part of the state. We're not going to pretend a fence post has anything to do with the Alamo — but building something sturdy enough to last on Texas land, for people who plan to stay on that land, is a small way of taking the same pride seriously.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a fence company writing about Texas history?
Mostly because our customers care about it, and because a lot of what we build — farm and ranch fencing especially — is tied directly to the rural, land-based way of life that's part of the state's identity.
Do you build fences that fit a more traditional, rural Texas look?
Yes — our farm and ranch fencing and cedar split-rail options in particular are built for that kind of property and aesthetic.
Are you a Texas-based company?
Yes. We're locally owned and operated out of Onalaska, TX, serving the Lake Livingston area and surrounding communities.