When did the first Spanish settlers come to Texas?
The first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River in 1718 when the mission and presidio (fort) were established.
Where were the first Spanish missions in Texas?
The first Spanish missions were established in the 1680s near present-day San Angelo, El Paso and Presidio – areas that were closely tied to settlements in what is today New Mexico. In 1690, Spanish missions spread to East Texas after news surfaced of La Salle’s French settlements in the area.
What was the first civil settlement in Texas?
The First Civil Settlement in Texas. The first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River in 1718 when the mission and presidio (fort) were established. The first settlement, called the Villa de Bexar, was little more than civilian housing for families of soldiers stationed at the presidio,...
What was the first settlement in Mexico?
The first settlement, called the Villa de Bexar, was little more than civilian housing for families of soldiers stationed at the presidio, and did not qualify under Spanish law as an official town. In 1722 the Marques de Aguayo urged the establishment of an officially recognized civil settlement...
Which groups settled in Spanish colonial Texas?
In 1690, Spanish missions spread to East Texas after news surfaced of La Salle's French settlements in the area. The Spanish settlers there encountered the Caddo Indians, who they called “Tejas” (derived from the Caddoan word “Tay-yas”, meaning friend).
Who created the first settlement in Texas?
Sugar Land's roots extend back to the first 300 settlers who came to Texas in the 1820's with Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” The northern territory of Mexico, Austin negotiated a grant with the Mexican government to bring 300 colonists to settle a large area of land between the San Antonio and Brazos Rivers.
When did Spain first colonize Texas?
Starting in the 1510s, Spanish explorers came upon Texas' Gulf Coast and made scattered, unsuccessful efforts to build missions there. Though Spain laid claim to Texas, sustained Spanish settlement did not begin until the 1680s, after the French failed in settling East Texas.
Which European country established the first settlements in Texas?
Spanish missionaries were the first European settlers in Texas, founding San Antonio in 1718.
Who was responsible for planning the settlement of Texas?
Stephen Austin's contract to bring settlers to Texas, June 4, 1825 (Gilder Lehrman Collection) In order to settle Texas in the 1820s, the Mexican government allowed speculators, called empresarios, to acquire large tracts of land if they promised to bring in settlers to populate the region and make it profitable.
What started the Spanish rule of Texas?
On hearing rumors of French incursions into Texas in 1707, the viceroy of New Spain ordered all provincial governors to prevent the entry of foreigners and their goods. To dissuade the Tejas Indians from accepting goods from the French, a contingent of soldiers under Pedro de Aguirre traveled into Texas.
What was the first colony in Texas?
Austin's Colony was the first and largest Anglo-American settlement in Mexican Texas and was established by Stephen F. Austin in 1821. It was authorized by the Mexican government and allowed for the introduction of 300 families into Texas.
What was the first Spanish mission in Texas?
San Francisco de los TejasIn 1690, one year after Father Massenet set fire to La Salle's doomed Fort St. Louis settlement, he blessed the timber church of San Francisco de los Tejas – the first Spanish mission in east Texas, near present-day Augusta.
What was the first town settled in Texas?
Considered to be the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo. This quaint little town is booming with history and stories from years past beginning with the Caddo Indians, who lived in the area before the Spanish, through the present day.
Who was the first European in Texas?
In 1519, the explorer Alonso Álvarez de Piñeda became the first European to map the Texas Gulf Coast. However, it would be another nine years before any Spaniards explored the Texas interior. In 1528, another expedition, led by Pánfilo de Narváez, set sail from Spain to explore the North American interior.
How did the first Europeans come to Texas?
The first recorded exploration of today's Texas was made in the 1530s by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, along with two other Spaniards and a Moorish slave named Estevanico. They were members of an expedition commanded by Panfilo de Narváez that left Cuba in 1528 to explore what is now the southeastern United States.
Who owned Texas First?
SpainThe first nation to claim sovereignty over Texas was Spain, which exercised rule from 1519 to 1685 and again from 1690 to 1821. At this time Spain was a collection of kingdoms rather than a country, the most prominent of which was the united Kingdoms of León and Castile, or simply the Crown of Castile.
What was the first settlement in Texas?
The first Spanish-speaking settlers established a mission and presidio (fort) around the San Antonio River in 1718. The first settlement, called the Villa de Bexar, was little more than civilian housing for families of soldiers stationed at the presidio.
What were the first settlements in Texas?
The first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River in 1718 when the mission and presidio (fort) were established.
What was the first town settled in Texas?
Considered to be the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo. This quaint little town is booming with history and stories from years past beginning with the Caddo Indians, who lived in the area before the Spanish, through the present day.
What was the first colony in Texas?
Austin's Colony was the first and largest Anglo-American settlement in Mexican Texas and was established by Stephen F. Austin in 1821. It was authorized by the Mexican government and allowed for the introduction of 300 families into Texas.
History
Spain had claimed ownership of the territory in 1519, which comprised part of the present-day U.S. state of Texas, including the land north of the Medina and Nueces Rivers, but did not attempt to colonize the area until after locating evidence of the failed French colony of Fort Saint Louis in 1689.
Location
Spanish Texas ( Tejas) was a colonial province within the northeastern mainland region of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. On its southern edge, Tejas was bordered by the province of Coahuila. The boundary between the provinces was set at the line formed by the Medina River and the Nueces River, 100 miles (161 km) northeast of the Rio Grande.
Initial colonization attempts
This 1681 map of North America lists the Rio Grande as Rio Bravo, and shows the lack of information Europeans had of the area that is now Texas.
Conflict with France
During the early eighteenth century France again provided the impetus for Spain's interest in Texas. In 1699, French forts were established at Biloxi Bay and on the Mississippi River, ending Spain's exclusive control of the Gulf Coast.
Settlement difficulties
Shortly after Aguayo returned to Mexico, the new viceroy of New Spain, Juan de Acuña, marqués de Casafuerte, was ordered to cut costs accrued for the defense of the northern part of the territory. Acuña appointed Colonel Pedro de Rivera y Villalón to inspect the entire northern frontier.
Peace with France
Indians confirmed in 1746 that French traders periodically arrived by sea to trade with tribes in the lower Trinity River region. Eight years later, the Spanish learned of rumors that the French had opened a trading post at the mouth of the Trinity River.
Conflict with the Native Americans
In 1776, Native Americans at the Bahia missions told the soldiers that the Karankawas had massacred a group of Europeans who had been shipwrecked near the mouth of the Guadalupe River. After finding the remains of an English commercial frigate, the soldiers warned the Karankawa to refrain from attacking seamen.
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
The first mission established within the boundaries of Spanish Texas was San Francisco de la Espada. In 1689, Spanish authorities found the remnants of a French settlement, Fort Saint Louis.
Mission Santísimo Nombre de María
Mission Santísimo Nombre de María was the second mission established by the Spanish in East Texas. Built for the native Neches population, the mission opened in September 1690 6 miles (10 km) northeast of Mission San Francisco. The mission consisted of a straw chapel and a house for the priest. It was destroyed by a flood in 1692.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano had been known as Mission San José de los Nazonis in East Texas. When the mission was relocated to San Antonio in 1731, it was renamed so as not to cause confusion with Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo. Located 3 miles (5 km) south of Mission San José, San Juan Capistrano served Coahuiltecan natives.
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña
This mission was originally established on the Angelina River in East Texas in 1716 as Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de los Ainais. It served the Ainais tribe. It was closed because of the French threat and reopened in 1721.
Mission San José de los Nazonis
Mission San José de los Nazonis was the third mission established in East Texas in 1716. Located near a Nazoni village, the mission was established by the Domingo Ramón - St. Denis expedition and was near the present-day site of Cushing, Texas.
Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was established in 1756 in central Texas near present-day New Braunfels, Texas to serve the local Waco and Tonkawa tribes congregating near the headwaters of the Comal river. It was closed in 1758 because of perceived Comanche depredations and was never protected by a complementing presidio garrison.
Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches
Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches was established in 1716 by the Domingo Ramón-St. Denis expedition. Located in East Texas, the mission was established to serve the Nacogdoche tribe. It closed several years later because of threats from French Louisiana but reopened in 1721.
When did the Spanish start to settle in San Antonio?
The first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River in 1718 when the mission and presidio (fort) were established. The first settlement, called the Villa de Bexar, was little more than civilian housing for families of soldiers stationed at the presidio, and did not qualify under Spanish law as an official town.
What was the name of the county in Texas in 1836?
Present Bexar County was thus created, with San Antonio de Bexar as the county seat. This name change of San Antonio for the original Villa was confirmed on June 5, 1837.
What is the name of the township in San Antonio?
The first formal census of San Antonio, dated December 31, 1788, refers to the township as the Villa de San Fernando; the entire group of settlements, the Villa, the mission with its pueblo, and the presidio are referred to as San Antonio de Bexar. In 1823, after the Spaniards were expelled from Mexico, an election provided for the subdivision of Texas into five separate territories with San Antonio de Bexar as the capital of the entire Province. The 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas provided for the reorganization of the old municipalities into counties. Present Bexar County was thus created, with San Antonio de Bexar as the county seat. This name change of San Antonio for the original Villa was confirmed on June 5, 1837.
How many Canary Island settlers were there in 1731?
At 11 a.m., March 9, 1731, fifteen families totaling about fifty-five Canary Island settlers filed into the Presidio of San Antonio de Bexar to lay claim to their right to settle and own land along the San Antonio River.
Why was San Fernando named after the Spanish?
The Islanders named their town the "Villa de San Fernando" in honor of the Spanish prince, Don Fernando, who succeeded to the throne in 1746 as King Ferdinand VI. In 1738 the cornerstone of the Church of San Fernando was laid marking the beginning of the first parish church in Texas.
When did San Antonio change its name?
This name change of San Antonio for the original Villa was confirmed on June 5, 1837. On December 14, 1837, the old settlement of San Antonio de Valero, in the county of Bexar, was declared a "body politic and corporate" with the title of "City of San Antonio.". --Mary Ann Noonan Guerra,
When did Texas split into five separate territories?
In 1823, after the Spaniards were expelled from Mexico, an election provided for the subdivision of Texas into five separate territories with San Antonio de Bexar as the capital of the entire Province. The 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas provided for the reorganization of the old municipalities into counties.
What was the Spanish colonial era in Texas?
The Spanish Colonial era in Texas began with a system of missions and presidios, designed to spread Christianity and to establish control over the region. The missions were managed by friars from the order of St.
Why did Spain establish mission fields in Texas?
Following the Louisiana Purchase, Spain began to reinforce Texas in order to protect its Mexican colony from its new neighbor, the United States.
What was the name of the Spanish outpost in Texas?
Remains of an early outpost called La Bahía, which also included a presidio and missions, can be seen at today’s Goliad. And a settlement called Los Adaes served as the capital of Spanish Texas – in an area that is now a state park in Louisiana.
What happened to the capital of Texas?
When the French turned over Louisiana to Spain at the end of the French and Indian War, the capital of Texas was transferred to San Antonio. Some of the residents of Los Adaes eventually established Nacogdoches at the site of an abandoned Caddo settlement. Aside from these successful communities, the Spanish experimented with establishing mission fields for various Indian groups, including Apaches, but never with long-term success.
What was the role of the Spanish presidios?
As towns began to grow around the presidios and the missions, the presidios’ role evolved into protecting not only roads, but also the developing Spanish missions and settlements.
Where were the first Spanish missions?
The first Spanish missions were established in the 1680s near present-day San Angelo, El Paso and Presidio – areas that were closely tied to settlements in what is today New Mexico . In 1690, Spanish missions spread to East Texas after news surfaced of La Salle’s French settlements in the area. The Spanish settlers there encountered the Caddo Indians, who they called “Tejas” (derived from the Caddoan word “Tay-yas”, meaning friend).
What did European explorers and settlers bring to the Americas?
Throughout the Americas, European explorers and settlers brought disease and disruption to native peoples. In early settlements across the state, the Spanish engaged in a power struggle with local groups, with neither side ever declaring full victory over the other.
What was the first Spanish mission in Texas?
Since its founding in 1690, Mission San Francisco de los Tejas has changed locations and/or names five times. San Francisco de los Tejas is considered to be the first Spanish mission in East Texas and was constructed near the pres- ent-day town of Weches. After two or three years, the mission was abandoned and burned. In 1716 Domingo Ramón moved the mission to Bowles Creek and reestablished it as Nuestro Padre San Francisco de los Tejas. In 1719 a small French invasion known as the “Chicken War” caused Spain to abandon the mission again. Two years later, it was moved to near present-day Alto and renamed San Francisco de los Neches. In 1730 part of the mission was abandoned, and the rest was moved to the Colorado River in Central Texas. For once, the mission did not change names. However, one year later, it was moved to its final loca- tion on the San Antonio River and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Today, Espada and three other missions make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. More than a million people visit the park each year. ●In all, Mission San Francisco de los Tejas has had four names. What do all of these names have in common?
When did Spain abandon its first attempt to occupy Texas?
On October 25, 1693, Spain ended its first attempt to settle Texas. The missions had suffered many problems and had lost the support of the local people. Also, the French no longerappeared to be a threat in Texas. Deciding that the costs outweighed the benefits, Spain abandoned its Texas missions. However, this first attempt to occupy Texas was not a total failure. The Spaniards had learned much about Texas and its native groups. Spain realized that it would have to establish settlements and provide military support if it wanted to occupy Texas permanently.
Why did the Caddoes help Spain?
the Spaniards believed that the Caddoes’ friendliness and their trade network with other native groups would help spread the Catholic reli- gion and secure Texas for Spain. All appeared well at their first mission, and de León and Massanet returned to Mexico City to obtain supplies and government support.The viceroy of Spain sent Domingo Terán de los Ríos to build eight more missions in Texas. Terán de los Ríos was also told to explore the country and to look for any French explorers in the area. He was named gover- nor of the new Spanish province of Tejas.
Where did the Caddoes settle?
Legend has it that a Native Texan from the Nacogdoche band of the Caddoes named both Nacogdoches , Texas, and Natchitoches , Louisiana. Ac- cording to the legend, a chief sent out his twin sons from the group’s home on the Sabine River. One son was sent three days to the west. The other son was sent three days to the east. The settlement in the west was named Nacogdoches, which is the Spanish spelling for the Nacogdoche group. The settle- ment in the east was named Natchitoches, which is the French spelling for the same group.
What were the problems with the new missions in Texas?
Accustomed to living freely and following their own rules, they refused to take orders from the priests or help with the daily chores at the missions. As a result, food and other supplies began to run low. Meanwhile in Europe, France and Spain began to struggle over who would control the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In 1719 war broke out between the two countries. When the French in Louisiana learned about the war, they turned to Lieutenant Philippe Blondel at the French post in Natchitoches. He and six soldiers were sent to capture the Spanish mission near present-day Nacogdoches. The few priests and friars living at the mission were no match for Blondel and his men.The French soldiers looted the mission, taking live- stock and other items of value. Blondel himself took a number of items, including several chickens that he tied to his saddle. When the lieu- tenant climbed into his saddle to leave, the chickens began squawking and flapping wildly. Blondel’s horse reared up, throwing the officer to the ground. As the other soldiers scrambled to help their leader, some of
How many tourists visit the Alamo?
The Alamo, which is the site of one of the best-known battles in Texas history, is visited by an average of 2.5 million tourists per year.
What did the Spaniards draw when they arrived in Texas?
When the Spaniards arrived in East Texas, they drew a map of a Caddo village and fields along a river. The Caddo grass houses shown on the map could be quite large, housing several families. ●In what ways was the Caddo village probably different from other Native Texan communities the Spaniards saw?
Overview
Settlement difficulties
Shortly after Aguayo returned to Mexico, the new viceroy of New Spain, Juan de Acuña, marqués de Casafuerte, was ordered to cut costs accrued for the defense of the northern part of the territory. Acuña appointed Colonel Pedro de Rivera y Villalón to inspect the entire northern frontier. Beginning in what is now California in November 1724, Rivera spent the next three years inspecting the northern frontier, reaching San Antonio in August 1727. His reports of Los Adaes, …
Location
Spanish Texas (Tejas) was a colonial province within the northeastern mainland region of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. On its southern edge, Tejas was bordered by the provinces of Coahuila and Nuevo Santander. The boundary between the provinces was set at the line formed by the Medina River and the Nueces River, 100 miles (161 km) northeast of the Rio Grande. On the east, Texas bordered La Louisiane (French Louisiana). Although Spain claimed that the Red River form…
Initial colonization attempts
Although Alonso Álvarez de Pineda claimed Texas for Spain in 1519, the area was largely ignored by Spain until the late seventeenth century. In 1685, the Spanish learned that France had established a colony in the area between New Spain and Florida. Believing the French colony was a threat to Spanish mines and shipping routes, Spanish King Carlos II's Council of War recommended that "Spain needed swift action 'to remove this thorn which has been thrust into the heart of Ame…
Conflict with France
During the early eighteenth century France again provided the impetus for Spain's interest in Texas. In 1699, French forts were established at Biloxi Bay and on the Mississippi River, ending Spain's exclusive control of the Gulf Coast. Although Spain "refused to concede France's right to be in Louisiana" and warned King Louis XIV of France that he could be excommunicated for ignoring the 200-year-old papal edict giving the Americas to Spain, they took no further actions to stop Fr…
Peace with France
Indians confirmed in 1746 that French traders periodically arrived by sea to trade with tribes in the lower Trinity River region. Eight years later, the Spanish learned of rumors that the French had opened a trading post at the mouth of the Trinity River. In September 1754, the governor, Jacinto de Barrios y Jáuregui sent soldiers to investigate, and they captured five Frenchmen who had been living at an Indian village. To dissuade the French from returning, Spain built the presidio of San …
Conflict with the Native Americans
In 1776, Native Americans at the Bahia missions told the soldiers that the Karankawas had massacred a group of Europeans who had been shipwrecked near the mouth of the Guadalupe River. After finding the remains of an English commercial frigate, the soldiers warned the Karankawa to refrain from attacking seamen. The soldiers continued to explore the coast, and reported that foreign powers could easily build a small settlement on the barrier islands, which …
Conflict with the United States
The Second Treaty of Paris in 1783 ended the American Revolution and established the United States of America. The treaty extended the new country's western boundary to the Mississippi River and within the first year after it was signed 50,000 American settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains. As it was difficult to return east across the mountains, the settlers began looking toward the Spanish colonies of Louisiana and Texas to find places to sell their crops. Sp…
Overview
The Spanish Missions in Texas comprise a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholic Dominicans, Jesuits, and Franciscans to spread the Catholic doctrine among area Native Americans, but with the added benefit of giving Spain a toehold in the frontier land. The missions introduced European livestock, fruits, vegetables, and industry into the Texas area. In addition to the presidio (fortified church) and pueblo (town), the misión was one of the three major agencies e…
Within boundaries of Spanish Texas
Spanish Texas was a part of New Spain. On its southern edge, Texas was bordered by the province of Coahuila. The boundary between the provinces was set at the line formed by the Medina and the Nueces Rivers, 100 miles (161 km) northeast of the Rio Grande. On the east, Texas bordered French Louisiana. Although Spain claimed that the Red River formed the boundary between the tw…
Outside boundaries of Spanish Texas
• Founded in 1682
• The Tiwa tribe gathered at this site
• Located in El Paso
• Flooding destroyed the mission twice: once around 1742 and again around 1829.
Footnotes
1. ^ Edmondson (2000), p. 6.
2. ^ Edmondson (2000), p. 10.
3. ^ Chipman (1992), p. 83.
4. ^ Weber (1992), p. 153.
See also
On Spanish Missions in neighboring regions:
• Spanish missions in Chihuahua and Coahuila
• Spanish missions in New Mexico
• Spanish missions in Louisiana
External links
• The Alamo
• Mission Espada
• Mission San Juan
• Mission Concepción
• Mission San José