1. The People of Colonial Texas
Lesson 3
The Mexican National Era

2. Who were the men and women of Stephen F. Austin’s first colony?
Guiding Question 1
Who were the men and women of Stephen F. Austin’s first colony?

3. THE OLD 300 Austin began with 300 original families – The old 300.
Farmers from Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri.
69 of these families were also slaveholders.
Mostly along the Brazos, Colorado and San Jacinto Rivers.
Jane Long, widow of James Long was one of the colonists.

4. The People Who Settled Texas
Texas was divided into three departments; Bexar, Brazos and Nacogdoches.

5. Why They Came Why Requirements: Freedom from Debt Cheap Land
Tax Holiday for 10 years
Requirements:
Good Moral character
Christian (Catholic)
Spanish Citizens (Speak Spanish)

6. Slavery Many colonists brought slaves with them to the colonies
1829 – Mexico bans slavery
Many runaways come to Texas
1836 – 5000 enslaved African Americans lived in Texas (1/7 of the population)

7. Women, Children and Everyday Life in Texas
Women had a hard life with limited rights
Farmwork, maintaining the house
Could not vote, hold public office or serve on a jury.
Wealthy sent chNo Public Education
ildren to U.S. or hired tutors.
Colonies might start a school

8. Answer Guiding Question 1
Who were the men and women of Stephen F. Auston’s first colony?