Spanish Settlement in Texas 1650-1800 Part II

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

Painting of the Presidio La Bahia 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 were paid poorly and often had to take jobs in the community. Painting of the Presidio La Bahia After their ten year enlistment, many soldiers obtained land in Texas and settled down with their family.

Spanish Strongholds in East Texas are Established By 1721 abandoned missions were reopened and guarded by hundreds of soldiers. 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

Spain needed new settlers for Texas to grow and survive In 1731 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

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

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

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

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.