Why did the Spanish build missions in Texas?
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.
What are facts about the Spanish missions in Texas?
Mission San Francisco Xavier de Horcasitas
- Established in 1745
- Founded by the College of Santa Cruz de Querétaro
- Yojuane, Mayeye, Ervipiame, Hasinia, Top, and Nabedache gathered at this site
- Located 5 mi.from Rockdale in Milam County
- First of 3 San Xavier missions
- A presidio (Spanish military outpost) est. here in 1751
- Abandoned in 1755
Why is Spanish built the mission in Texas?
Why did Spain built missions 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 missionaries hoped to spread Christianity and the Spanish culture to native groups. Presidios were the missions' secular counterpart.
How many missions did the Spanish have in Texas?
In all, twenty-six missions were maintained for different lengths of time within the future boundaries of the state of Texas . Since 1493, Spain had maintained missions throughout New Spain (Mexico and portions of what today are the southwestern United States) to facilitate colonization.
What was the first permanent Spanish mission in Texas?
Mission San Antonio de Valero was established on May 1, 1718, as the first Spanish mission along the San Antonio River. It was named for San Antonio de Padua, the patron saint of the mission's founder, Father Antonio de Olivares as well as for the viceroy of New Spain, the Marquis de Valero.
What is a Spanish mission in Texas?
Spanish missions in Texas have a long history dating back to 1632! These missions were religious communities created by Spanish priests and missionaries to teach Catholicism to the Native Americans in the region.
What was the 1st mission in Texas called?
San Francisco de los TejasThe first Spanish mission in East Texas, San Francisco de los Tejas, was begun in May 1690 as a response to the La Salle expedition.
What part of Texas did Spain first try to establish missions?
The following year, de León and his chaplain on the previous missions, Fray Damián Mazanet, founded the first Spanish mission in Texas along the Neches River near present day Nacogdoches.
What are the 3 Spanish missions in Texas?
While the Alamo may be the most well-known, in the 18th century, Spanish priests established five additional Catholic missions: San Antonio de Valero, San José, Concepción, San Juan and Espada, all along the San Antonio River.
Which mission did the Spanish build first?
Franciscan priest Father Junipero Serra founded the first mission in 1769. This was known as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and was located in present-day San Diego.
Where was the first Texas mission?
San AngeloThe first mission in Texas was established in 1632 near present-day San Angelo. It was a follow-up effort to an initial 1629 missionary trip to the area at the request of the Jumano Indians, which was the first journey into Texas specifically for Christian evangelization.
What was the first Spanish mission established in Texas quizlet?
The Spaniards established the first Texas missions near present-day El Paso. Corpust Christi de la Ysleta was the first. The purpose of this mission was to spread Christianity to Native Americans. Corpus christi de la Ysleta was successful.
What is Mission San José known for?
In agriculture, Mission San José was the most successful of the northern missions. It grew grain, beans, and vegetables and had large olive and fruit tree orchards. The mission was known for the quality of its olive oil.
What is the name of the first mission built in East 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.
Was the Alamo a Spanish mission?
Known today as The Alamo, this Spanish mission complex was the first of six San Antonio missions founded by Catholic missionaries along the San Antonio River in the early 1700s. The mission was a town and learning center to acculturate the local indigenous people to Christianity and Spanish life.
Who established the first mission in San Antonio?
The FranciscansThe Franciscans established the first mission in San Antonio, the San Antonio de Valero Mission, also known as The Alamo, in 1718. A second mission, Mission San José, was constructed two years later a few miles downstream from Mission Valero.
What was the main purpose of the Spanish mission?
Spanish missions were explicitly established for the purpose of religious conversion and instruction in the Catholic faith. However, the mission system actually served as the primary means of integrating Indians into the political and economic structure of Florida's colonial system.
What was life like in a Spanish mission?
Daily life in the missions was not like anything the Native Texans had experienced. Most had routine jobs to perform every day, and the mission priests introduced them to new ways of life and ideas. The priests supervised all activities in the mission. They would often physically punish uncooperative natives.
How many Spanish missions were built in Texas?
26 missionsBetween 1632 and 1793, Spanish friars traveled north from Mexico into present-day Texas, where they built dozens of missions and presidios (military forts). In all, 26 missions were established and maintained in Texas with greatly varying results.
Why did the Spanish missions in Texas Fail?
There was simply too vast a space to be protected, too many Indians to be subjugated, and the costs would have been prohibitive. The mission system involved three major institutions - the mission itself, the presidio, and the pueblo.
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.
When was San Francisco de la Mission abandoned?
In 1716 another Spanish expedition came to East Texas and reestablished the mission, this time on the east bank of the Neches River. But it was abandoned again in 1719, rebuilt again in 1721, and finally abandoned for good in 1731 when the mission was relocated to San Antonio and renamed San Francisco de la Espada.
Why did the priests seek to bring Christianity to the forest-dwelling Indians?
The priests sought to bring Christianity to the forest-dwelling Indians and to secure Spain’s domination over the vast territory that would become Texas. The presence of the mission reminded France, which occupied the territory of Louisiana across the Sabine River, that Texas belonged to Spain.
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 first Spanish mission in Texas?
Corpus Christi de ysleta (built in 1682) was the FIRST mission built in texas and the FIRST permanent spanish settlement in Texas.
When did the Spanish retreat from Texas?
The "Chicken War" occurred in 1721 and caused the Spanish to retreat from East Texas.
When was San Antonio founded?
San Antonio was founded in 1718. First the mission San Antonio de Valero (known as the Alamo) was founded by Martin de Alarcon. He later built a presidio, San Antonio de Bexar to guard the mission.
Why did Native Americans live in missions?
The main reason some native Americans agreed to live in missions was for protection from their enemies- ---- other native Americans.
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.
What did Father Massanet find?
What they found was a mission in crisis. Crops had failed due to a drought, and disease had killed many Native Texans. As a result, some of the Native Texans in the area had become hostile. Also, most of the native peoples were not interested in giving up their way of life to help the priests clear land for crops or working to support the mission. As a result, supplies ran low. It soon became clear to Spanish officials and Father Massanet that the project could not succeed without a constant flow of supplies.
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 was the first Spanish mission?
This mission, San Antonio de Valero, was the first of five Spanish missions built along the San Antonio River in the 18 th century. San Antonio soon became an important settlement to colonial Spain and it was designated the capital of Spanish Texas in 1773.
When did Texas become a state?
Texas became the 28th state in 1845, but has a history stretching back to the 16th century and even further if you count its use by Native American tribes for thousands of years. While the Spanish visited the area for a number of years, they did not really start establishing missions or settlements until the early 18th century.
What is the oldest town in Texas?
Ysleta is an extremely small town that claims it is the oldest town in Texas. Today, Yselta a part of the larger city of El Paso. The town’s most notable feature is the Ysleta Mission, which was established in 1680 by Antonio de Otermín (Spanish governor of northern New Spain province) and Fray Francisco de Ayeta (a Spanish missionary).
Why was Goliad named after Hidalgo?
Eventually, the town was renamed Goliad as an anagram for Father Hidalgo, the priest who instigated the Mexican independence movement. While Goliad is a small town, it is notable for its involvement in the Texas Revolution.
Why was San Augustine abandoned?
The mission was temporarily abandoned because of the threat of invasion from the nearby French settlers. In 1721, the mission was reopened and a more permanent settlement was built in 1779 after the threat of the French had died down. Today, San Augustine is a small town with just over 2,000 residents. ‘.
How long has Austin been the capital of Texas?
After it was chosen as the capital, Austin quickly grew and by the 1880s, it was large enough to be called a city. Austin has been the capital of Texas for 180 years and has continued to grow. Today, Austin has a population of nearly 1 million people.
Why was the Ais mission abandoned?
The mission was temporarily abandoned because of the threat of invasion from the nearby French settlers.
Overview
Spanish Texas was one of the interior provinces of the colonial Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1690 until 1821. The term "interior provinces" first appeared in 1712, as an expression meaning "far away" provinces. It was only in 1776 that a legal jurisdiction called "Interior Provinces" was created.
Spain claimed ownership of the territory in 1519, which comprised part of the present-day U.S. st…
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…
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, …
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…