The state of Texas is a part of the Union of the United States of America. In 1845, it joined the union as the 28th state. After Alaska, Texas is the state with the second-largest land area.
1684-1689: French Colonization
The first European colonization attempt in Texas was led by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French nobleman, who established Fort Saint Louis. However, the colony faced hardships, including disease and internal conflicts, which led to its downfall. The Spanish, seeing this as a threat to their territories, dispatched numerous expeditions to eliminate the French presence. By 1689, the French settlement was destroyed, marking an early European influence in Texas.
1718: Spanish Missions and Colonization
In response to French incursions, Spain began to establish missions in Texas as a buffer against French expansion. The most notable was the founding of San Antonio in 1718. This marked the beginning of sustained European settlement in Texas, with the establishment of missions, presidios, and civil settlements. The missions aimed to convert and control the indigenous populations, forming the backbone of early Spanish influence in the region.
1731-1777: Expansion and Conflict
Spanish colonization efforts expanded in the 18th century, with settlers arriving from the Canary Islands in 1731 to establish San Fernando de Béxar. By the 1750s, San Antonio (Béxar) had developed a thriving economy centered around ranching. However, this period was also marked by conflicts, including disputes over resources among missionaries, soldiers, and civilians, as well as increasing tensions with indigenous groups.
1800-1821: American Filibusters and Mexican Independence
The early 19th century saw increased American interest in Texas, with traders and filibusters like Philip Nolan entering the region. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 further heightened U.S. interest. Meanwhile, Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain culminated in 1821, with Texas becoming part of the newly independent Mexican state. This period set the stage for future American colonization efforts and the eventual conflict between Mexico and the United States.
1821-1830: Mexican Colonization and American Settlement
After gaining independence, Mexico continued Spain’s colonization strategy, inviting American settlers to Texas through land grants known as empresario contracts. Stephen F. Austin was one of the most successful empresarios, bringing thousands of American settlers to Texas. However, the influx of Anglo settlers created tensions between the Mexican government and the new colonists, especially over issues like slavery and political representation.
1836: Texas Independence
The growing dissatisfaction among Texas settlers with Mexican rule led to the Texas Revolution in 1835-1836. Key events included the Battle of the Alamo and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, where Texan forces under Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army, securing Texas’ independence. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, with a new constitution and Sam Houston as its first president.
1845: Annexation to the United States
After nearly a decade as an independent republic, Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845. José Antonio Navarro played a significant role in the annexation process, serving as the only Hispanic delegate at the Convention of 1845. Texas became the 28th state in the Union, leading to the Mexican-American War, which further solidified the U.S. presence in the region.
1846-1848: The Mexican-American War
The annexation of Texas by the United States led to the Mexican-American War, a conflict driven by U.S. expansionist ambitions. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848, which resulted in Mexico ceding large territories, including California and New Mexico, to the United States. The Rio Grande was established as the southern boundary of Texas, shaping the future of the region.
1853-1871: Tejano Influence and Legacy
José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader, continued to shape Texas’ history after its annexation. In 1853, he published his historical notes, “Apuntes Históricos,” detailing Texas’ history. Despite the rise of anti-foreigner sentiments, Navarro remained active in politics, advocating for the rights of Tejanos. He passed away in 1871, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and significant contributions to the history and development of Texas.
Interesting Facts About Texas Colonization and Settlement
- Canary Islanders in Texas: In 1731, settlers from the Canary Islands arrived in Texas to establish San Fernando de Béxar, now San Antonio, marking one of the earliest European civilian settlements.
- The Republic of Fredonia: In 1826, a group of settlers in East Texas declared independence from Mexico, creating the short-lived “Republic of Fredonia,” which lasted only a few months before being suppressed.
- Pirate Haven: Galveston Island briefly became a pirate haven in the early 19th century under the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte, who used the island as a base for smuggling and privateering.
- The Runaway Scrape: During the Texas Revolution, many settlers fled their homes in what became known as the “Runaway Scrape” to escape advancing Mexican troops, leading to widespread panic and chaos.
- Nacogdoches’ Nine Flags: Nacogdoches, Texas, is known as the city of “Nine Flags” because it has flown the flags of nine different nations or republics throughout its history, reflecting its diverse and turbulent past.
- Tejano Patriots: Many Tejanos (Texans of Mexican descent) played key roles in the Texas Revolution, including José Antonio Navarro and Juan Seguín, who fought for Texas independence from Mexico.
- The Old Three Hundred: The first group of American settlers in Texas, known as the “Old Three Hundred,” was led by Stephen F. Austin and settled along the Brazos River in the 1820s.
- No Man’s Land: For a brief period in the early 19th century, the area between the Sabine River and the Arroyo Hondo in East Texas was known as “No Man’s Land” due to a border dispute between the U.S. and Spain, making it a haven for outlaws.
- German Immigration: In the mid-1800s, German immigrants established several towns in Central Texas, including New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, bringing their culture, language, and traditions, which still influence the region today.
- Stephen F. Austin’s Imprisonment: Stephen F. Austin, known as the “Father of Texas,” was imprisoned in Mexico City for over a year in 1834 after advocating for Texas statehood.
- Free Black Settlers: In the early 1800s, a few free African Americans, such as Samuel McCulloch Jr., who fought in the Texas Revolution, were granted land and settled in Texas, despite the state’s later harsh policies on slavery and free blacks.
The history of Texas settlement is marked by diverse influences, from early French and Spanish colonization to the influx of American settlers and the eventual incorporation of Texas into the United States. Each period brought its challenges and changes, shaping the state into the vibrant and historically rich region it is today.
