LIFE IN SPANISH TEXAS Towns & Ranches

Spanish Towns Develop Spaniards established four civil settlements* in colonial Texas San Antonio de Bexar La Bahia Nacogdoches Laredo * a village made up of people who were neither soldier nor priest Copy

Making the best of the frontier life Living in towns, or pueblos, colonists learned to use the materials and supplies that were available to them (logs, adobe, stone) or built jacals, made of thatched roofs, poles, mud and clay.

ACEQUIA An acequia is a canal or ditch used to bring water from the rivers to towns and farmers’ fields.

Life in the Towns Who lived here? Former presidio families Natives who have adapted to Spanish culture Settlers from Spain, Mexico, Canary Islands What did they do? (Jobs that were needed) Blacksmith, carpenter, gunsmith, baker, mason, tailor, shoemaker, cart drivers, general store owners Copy

Are you smarter than a 5th grader? What about education? Most colonists were illiterate and the privilege of reading or even owning books was only available to: Wealthy families Priests Military leaders and other government officials Teachers (few available) Most colonists were uneducated and enjoyed a simple lifestyle. Copy

Women’s Roles Women worked very hard in the settlements. They took care of many farm and ranch chores including Preparing food Sewing Washing Repairing clothes Making household items such as soap Teach morals and values to children Some helped as midwives Helped defend their home against Natives

Are the laws working for colonists? Play By The Rules Are the laws working for colonists? Settlers felt strongly that local needs should have priority over government policy. Example: It was illegal to trade with the French, but many colonists depended on trading for their survival. Discussion

Are we having any fun? Colonists enjoyed celebrations in many forms of social gatherings. Horse races were popular along with festivals and other outdoor activities Storytelling, singing, dancing, playing music such as the fiddle or guitar often lifted the settler’s spirit, helped them escape from their hardship and reminded them of their culture and heritage.

Problems in Town No running water or sewage system Muddy streets and standing water Unclean living conditions led to diseases such as cholera and smallpox Indian Raids copy

The Beginning of Texas Ranching Ranches were established on the northern frontier Ranchers raised cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats and hogs Provided valuable supplies to colonists, such as wool, animal hides, meat, fat used for soap and candles Raised horses for soldiers copy

Cattle Industry begins in Texas Cattle and other livestock had been brought to Texas during colonization Animals multiplied rapidly on open range Land grants from the king of Spain helped establish many successful ranches Most productive ranching area was in Central Texas (San Antonio/Guadalupe R.) Vaqueros developed many ranching techniques still used today copy

Jose de Escandon’s contribution to Texas He established Los Adaes as the capital of the province of Texas and established Mission San Saba. He mapped large portions of the state, making it possible for Spain to send out several groups of colonists. He established two missions in East Texas as well as a presidio. He brought almost 6,000 people to South Texas and founded the town of Laredo, the largest and most successful settlement in south Texas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jcTCjbJE78 copy

Ranching vs. Farming Hard work Adapted to climate & terrain Compete with missions Need large amount of land for crops for sale Not much profit Shipping crops was costly Ditches, canals needed for irrigation Most farms large enough to feed only a single family Adapted to climate & terrain Small number of people were needed to work Most livestock, especially cattle were tough and could handle conditions (?) Could move cattle in case of danger (?)