Texas is a state made up of a mosaic of cultures and is therefore sometimes described as the “Third Coast” of the US along the Gulf of Mexico. With its vibrant culture and rich natural resources, the ebb and flow of Texan history is shaped by immigration. A significant wave of Vietnamese refugee immigrants to the state in the late twentieth century was intricately connected to the events of the US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vietnamese Americans have made significant contributions to the social and economic landscape in Texas, particularly in industries such as fishing and shrimping. This module explores how Vietnamese Americans have shaped Texas by infusing local culture with their ethnic heritage and establishing a lasting presence that reflects both their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.