Spanish Rule Ends in Texas p. 150 End of Spanish Rule Spanish Rule Ends in Texas p. 150

Texas at the End of Spain’s Rule In 1821 Mexico became independent from Spain. This new province included Texas. Only a few settlements remained in Texas at this time. Vast stretches of northern and western Texas lay unoccupied or were controlled by Native Americans who did not recognize Spanish authority.

Spanish Neglect Spain had difficulty attracting many Spanish settlers to Texas because it contained no gold or silver to lure them. Farmers and ranchers preferred the more fertile land and grass of Mexico. Spanish authorities neglected the province of Texas.

Spanish Legacy Spaniards mapped and explored Texas. Many places in Texas have Spanish names. Spaniards laid out the first roads. Texans used the Spanish ranching system, like the cattle drive. Many Spaniards remained in Texas after Mexican independence.