Spanish Settlement in Texas 1650-1800 Part II

Why It Matters Now Spanish dominance had long-lasting effects on Texas. The “Chicken War” demonstrated Spain’s weakness in East Texas, leaving the Spanish government angry and embarrassed. Although the French made no further aggressive moves into Texas, the Spaniards were determined to prove that they controlled the region. To prevent any future French interference, Spain knew it would have to occupy East Texas.

Spain reacts to the “Chicken War” After the Chicken War the Spanish army reestablishes Spanish authority in East Texas in 1721 It builds the Presidio (Fort) San Jose in San Antonio and greatly increases the amount of troops in Texas

Mission San Jose

Presidios The main purpose of a presidio was to protect missions attacks, as presidios were military bases. Soldiers in the Presidio often lived a hard life. They had to buy their own uniforms and weapons at the presidio’s commissary.(commissary – a store where military personnel can buy equipment and food) They were paid poorly and often had to take jobs in the community. After their ten year enlistment, many soldiers obtained land in Texas and settled down with their family.

Spanish Strongholds in East Texas are Established Governor Marques de San Miguel de Aguayo wanted to increase Spain’s presence in Texas By 1721 abandoned missions were reopened and guarded by hundreds of soldiers. At each mission, he left priests and enough supplies to impress the Native Texans in the area. Presidio Los Adaes became the capital of newly created province of Texas (Natchitoches LA.) NAK-ə-təsh Texas was now secured by Spain

Los Adaes

For its new colonies to grow and survive, Spain needed more settlers. But who would be willing to take such a risk? In 1719 Aguayo asked the viceroy to send 400 settlers to Texas from Spanish colonies in the Canary Islands; Galicia, Spain; or Havana, Cuba. Spain finally found volunteers in the Canary Islands. Spanish Presido With Spain so firmly established in East Texas, relations with the French began to take on a peaceful tone. The Arroyo Hondo, a stream between Los Adaes and Natchitoches, became the unofficial boundary between Spanish Texas and French Louisiana.

Spain needed new settlers for Texas to grow and survive Even though San Antonio was founded in 1718, civilians did not live there until 1731, when Spain sent 55 people from the Canary Islands to settle San Antonio Colonists Arrive

France No Longer a Threat Over the next 20 years relations with France became more peaceful Spanish focus on missionary work French focus on trade

To reduce costs Spain reduced troops in East Texas Without military protection from Indians, the East Texas missions could not survive Many moved closer to San Antonio

In the mid-1700s the Spaniards began their last expansion program in Texas. Their two goals were to run the French traders out of East Texas and to secure Spain’s claim on South Texas by establishing settlements. Spain’s expansion effort in South Texas was led by Count José de Escandón. In 1748 he set out with 3,000 settlers, soldiers, and priests to settle the lands between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River. In this area, Escandón established 15 missions. Escandon is known as the father of the Rio Grade missions. Many Spanish ranchers moved north into this area and started new ranches. José de Escandón

San Saba Massacre In 1757 the Mission San Saba was built but it was unsuccessful in converting the Lipan Apaches In 1758 Comanche attacked San Saba, killing the priests and soldiers Although no Apache ever resided at the mission, its existence convinced the Comanche that the Spanish had allied with the Comanche's mortal enemy. In 1758 the mission was destroyed by 2000 warriors from the Comanche, Tonkawa, Yojuane, Bidai and Hasinai tribes. It was the only mission in Texas to be completely destroyed by Native Americans

To commemorate the destruction of Santa Cruz de San Sabá, the benefactor commissioned a painting in 1762, completed in 1765 . This became the first work of art to depict a historical event in Spanish Texas. San Saba Massacre

Spain Seeks Revenge The Spanish sent Col. Ortiz Parilla and 500 soldiers to lead an attack on the Comanche near the Red River. Despite their advanced weapons, the Spanish were defeated when The Indians lured Ortiz into an ambush and after a four-hour battle in which the Spanish suffered 19 dead, he and his troops retreated, leaving two cannon in the hands of the Indians.

The King makes changes After French and Indian War, Spain acquired all of French Louisiana west of the Mississippi River In 1767 the King of Spain Carlos III, sent the Marques de Rubi to inspect Texas. Marques de Rubi

Spanish Territory English Territory

In 1767 King Carlos III of Spain realized changes would be necessary to maintain control of Spain’s northern frontier. To assess the situation, the King sent a Spanish officer, the Marqués de Rubí, to inspect Spanish claims. Rubí made a quick tour of all major settlements in Texas. His report had a great effect on Texas. Rubí recommended that all Spanish settlements in East Texas be moved to San Antonio. The French were no longer a threat, so the settlements were no longer needed. These settlements were not Spain’s only weak points in Texas, in Rubí’s eyes. He also saw no reason to maintain missions or presidios in West Texas. Like the East Texas missions, these western outposts were too small and isolated. They would not have the resources to convert Native Texans or develop a stable economy.

The Rubi Report Found: A) French were no longer a threat B) The capital should be moved from Los Adaes to San Antonio (East to Central Texas) C) Spain should form an alliance with Comanche against the Apache

Founding of Nacogdoches In 1779, Antonio Gil Y'Barbo (e-barvo) founded Nacogdoches with the settlement of 350 people at the location of the abandoned East Texas missions.