Spanish Settlements
Missions Spain’s main way of colonizing Expected to support themselves First in west Texas Later in east Texas Eventually central Texas (San Antonio) Used to convert Native Americans to Catholicism Thought to make good citizens to Spain
Towns Built around missions Colonists brought in so missions could grow and survive First successful town was in San Antonio
Ranches Most important aspect for missions and towns to survive Cattle were easier to raise and protect than farming
Corpus Christi de la Ysleta 1682 First permanent Spanish settlement Located near El Paso
San Francisco de los Tejas 1690 First east Texas settlement Located near Palestine Failed because of drought and disease
San Juan Bautista 1699 Near Eagle Pass Was very successful because of ranching and farming Grew into a presidio and town Known as “Mother of Missions”
San Fernando de Bexar- (San Antonio) 1718 Half way point between Mexico and east Texas missions Camino Real Became Texas capitol in 1722
Mission San Antonio de Valero Located in San Antonio Chapel is the Alamo
How they lived Colonial Homes-built from timber and rocks Dog Run Homes-built with a breezeway for shade and to catch the breeze Furniture-made from natural resources in the area Buckskin Clothes-made from deer hide Water Wells-built to acquire water near their home Food-killed animals and grew crops
Spanish Influence Amarillo-means yellow in Spanish Was the color of the wildflowers Rio Grande-means “Big River” in Spanish Vaquero-Spanish word for cowboy Rodeo-a sport based on the skills of vaqueros