Anglo Colonization of Texas G.T.T “Gone to Texas” Anglo Colonization of Texas

Vocabulary Terms Anglo American – a person whose ancestors moved from Europe and live in the U.S. Empresario – An agent who makes all arrangements to bring settlers to a colony Tejano – a person of Mexican descent living in Texas

Moses Austin Moved to George Morgan’s colony in present-day Missouri to run a lead mine Lost fortune during the Panic of 1819 Decided that helping colonists locate in Texas was the best way to make money and pay off his debts

Mose’s Plan He wanted to bring 300 families from the United States into Texas to begin a colony. Spanish officials were suspicious at first, Moses traveled 800 miles to get approval. He was originally rejected… With the help of Baron de Bastrop in San Antonio, he would eventually get approval. Austin returned to the east to begin recruiting colonists while awaiting approval when he became ill. He learned from Erasmo Seguín his plan had been approved while on his deathbed. Asked that his son, Stephen, carry out his dream of bringing U.S. settlers to Texas

Stephen F. Austin “The Father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin dropped his plans for a legal career and went to Texas to fulfill his father’s wishes. He visited San Antonio de Bexar and met with the governor, who had assigned Erasmo Seguin to help Austin. In August 1821, Governor Martinez legally transferred Moses Austin’s grant to Stephen.

Major Empresario Land Grants Coahuila y Tejas 1825-1832 Next, Austin chose the site for his colony. He decided on the land between the Lavaca and San Jacinto Rivers. Includes Brazos & Colorado Not heavily forested so easy to clear Received enough rain for crops

Americans Coming to Texas Why Did They Come? Spain had first opened Texas to Anglo-Americans in 1820, one year before Mexico claimed independence from Spain. Its traditional policy forbade foreigners in its territory, but Spain was unable to persuade its own citizens to move to the far-away “wilderness” of Texas. Mostly, people were willing to come for the cheap and abundant land - 1 acre in USA = $1.25 / 1 acre in Texas = $.04-$.12 Some were escaping problems in the United States and some were purely seeking adventure and personal gain

Searching for Colonists Austin knew that the success of the colony depended on the character of the colonists. The terms of the empresarial grant stated that colonists had to be… Persons of good character Catholic or willing to become Catholic. They were also required to pledge loyalty to Spain Settlers began to arrive in 1821- these families were known as the “Old Three Hundred” Farmers = 177 acres Ranchers (raise livestock) = 4,428 acres Essential Question: What was the difference between Spanish settlements in the 1700’s and Anglo settlements in the 1800’s like the ones established by Austin and other empresarios?

Spanish settlements in the 1700’s consisted of missions and trading posts Most Anglo settlements in 1800’s Texas were permanent farming and ranching communities on huge grants of land

Austin = Great Leadership Biggest challenge came in 1822- Austin learned that Mexico had gained independence from Spain in September of 1821. The grant had been issued by Spain, therefore he now needed permission from Mexican officials for the colony Traveled to Mexico City to obtain approval - took a year While there he learned Spanish and gained trust of Mexican leaders. Awarded grants under the national colonization laws of 1823 and 1824 Established his capital on the west bank of the Brazos River, it was named San Felipe de Austin. Austin was the colonists’ main representative to Mexican officials, he translated laws and communicated government policies to the settlers The colony prospered due to Austin’s leadership Known as the “Father of Texas”

Other Empresarios Austin was the first Empresario but not the only one Other Empresarios Austin was the first Empresario but not the only one. By 1830 about 30 people had also brought settlers to Texas. Green DeWitt DeWitt/Kerr 400 families next to Austin’s colony Contract not met No school/Church 2nd in numbers success although huge struggles Martín De León Native Mexican Navarro is land commissioner Mexican settlers W/Austin only to fulfill contract Founded cattle industry

Hardships Disease was one of the most common challenges Few doctors and most had little medical training. Native American attacks Stephen F. Austin formed a small militia to ride throughout the colony and prevent raiding parties. Patrol was later organized into the Texas Rangers. Tension develops between the colonists and the Mexican government Conflicts would lead to the colonists’ demand for independence

By 1830’s Texas had a population greater than 20,000 people and was growing. Cotton and Cattle industries were beginning to grow rapidly as well.

Open Door to Texas Because of the empresarios, many people began moving into Texas. The inscription G.T.T. (Gone To Texas) became a common sight on abandoned cabins. “Gone to Texas”  was a phrase used by Americans immigrating to Texas in the 19th century often to escape debt incurred during the Panic of 1819. After Davy Crockett was narrowly defeated for re-election in Tennessee, he famously said, "You may all go to h***, and I will go to Texas," and followed through on that pledge. Most settlers that came emigrated from the U.S. but some came from Mexico and Europe. Large population of Tejanos settled in San Antonio de Bexar. Powerful Tejanos in Texas include Erasmo and Juan Seguin, Lorenzo de Zavala, and Jose Antonio Navarro African American population of Texas grew as well. Slavery was illegal in Mexico after 1829 but law was not enforced Mexican law offered protection and legal rights to free African Americans.