Spanish Texas Before War

The state of Texas has a long and unique history; the proud, independent personalities of its inhabitants comes as no real surprise once you know a little more about their heritage. The Lone Star was under the control of several different nations over the centuries, and was at one point a part of Mexico before breaking off into its own republic in a brutal revolution, and eventually became a significant reason for the Mexican-American War. Before that, however, it was a part of Spain's colonial claim.

The land was claimed in the name of Spain in 1519, by Alvarez de Pineda, who had explored the region now known as Texas. However, this declaration was ignored for over 160 years, and only really put into serious effect when the Spanish learned that a crude French settlement had been built in the east part of the state in 1685, but destroyed by natives. A catholic mission was established, but then abandoned, when the local tribes once again resisted the intruders.

In East Texas in 1716, the Spaniards built several missions and managed to make the area an official part of New Spain. The town of San Antonio, built as a way station between the remote forts and the Mexican settlements, was often raided by native tribes, scaring settlers out and making it one of the least populated parts of the colony. However, the land was a necessary buffer against French Louisiana, which posed a threat to Spanish interests. France surrendered their property in 1762 and this ended the long strife regarding border claims.

Napoleon sold the land to the United States shortly after Louisiana was returned to France in 1799, but there was no lasting peace in the state. Spain disagreed with Thomas Jefferson's idea, that the purchase should include the area of what is now Texas; Nachitoches was at the farthest reaches of Bonaparte's property. Texas was once again acting as a buffer, but this time between Spanish colonies to the south and the newly formed United States. To protect their claim against the USA the Spaniards sent their troops to the area in great numbers. By 1806, a conflict seemed inevitable, but it wasn't to be.

Texan Indians quickly joined the guerrillas in the fight against the Royalists, when In 1810, the Mexican War of Independence began. Officially neutral, The United States supplied the rebels with most of their ammunition by shipping it through the state's ports. Other armed forces quickly overturned any claims to independence that the Lone Star area made throughout an 11 year battle. The border conflict between America and Spain was settled in 1819 with the Transcontinental Treaty, but it hardly mattered; two years later, Agustin de Iturbide's clever arrangements won Mexico its freedom, and Texas became the northernmost part of this new country.


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