Mexican Texas Age of Empresarios p.162

Austin Establishes a Colony Moses Austin received permission from Spain to bring American settlers into Texas. He was familiar with Spanish laws and regulations. Moses died of pneumonia before the task was carried out. Stephen Fuller Austin was determined to follow out his fathers plan.

Austin Sets Colony Boundaries Austin explored Texas and determined the region between the Colorado River and the Brazos was a good place for a colony. It had fertile soil, water, natural resources, a mild climate, and no other settlements. Austin wrote a request for the land to the governor and asked for additional land along the coast for trade.

Advertising for Colonists Austin began advertising for colonists to move to Texas. Every man would receive 640 acres for himself, 320 for his wife, 160 for each child, 80 for each slave. Austin surveyed, or measured, the land himself. Settlers paid 12.5 cents per acre. New settlers were required to pledge an oath of allegiance to the Spanish government. New settlers had to become Catholic and of good moral character.

Austin Impresses Mexico Leaders There was confusion In Mexico City over land grants. The new government had many problems and could give only limited attention to Texas. Austin was finally given a land grant under new a new colonization law. Austin received 100,000 acres of land for his services as empresario, a land agent whose job it was to bring in new settlers to an area.

Austin Impresses Mexico Leaders While in Mexico, Austin learned much about Mexican customs and institutions. Austin impressed the leaders with his honesty and sincerity.

Men and Women of the “Old Three Hundred” Austin's settlers became known as the “Old Three Hundred.” Being the first people to settle in the new area, they had the opportunity to select the best land. Most chose land near rivers or streams.