1. LIFE IN SPANISH TEXAS
Towns & Ranches

2. Spanish Towns Develop
Spaniards established four civil settlements* in colonial Texas
San Antonio de Bexar
La Bahia
Nacogdoches
Laredo
* a village made up of people who were neither soldier nor priest
Copy

3. Making the best of the frontier life
Living in towns, or pueblos, colonists learned to
use the materials and supplies that were available
to them (logs, adobe, stone) or built jacals, made
of thatched roofs, poles, mud and clay.

4. ACEQUIA
An acequia is a canal or ditch used to bring water from the rivers to towns and farmers’ fields.

5. Life in the Towns Who lived here?
Former presidio families
Natives who have adapted to Spanish culture
Settlers from Spain, Mexico, Canary Islands
What did they do? (Jobs that were needed)
Blacksmith, carpenter, gunsmith, baker,
mason, tailor, shoemaker, cart drivers,
general store owners
Copy

6. Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
What about education?
Most colonists were illiterate and the
privilege of reading or even owning books
was only available to:
Wealthy families
Priests
Military leaders and other government officials
Teachers (few available)
Most colonists were uneducated and enjoyed a simple lifestyle.
Copy

7. Women’s Roles Women worked very hard in the settlements. They took
care of many farm and ranch chores including
Preparing food
Sewing
Washing
Repairing clothes
Making household items such as soap
Teach morals and values to children
Some helped as midwives
Helped defend their home against Natives

8. Are the laws working for colonists?
Play By The Rules
Are the laws working for colonists?
Settlers felt strongly that local needs should have priority over government policy.
Example: It was illegal to trade with the French, but many colonists depended on trading for their survival.
Discussion

9. Are we having any fun?
Colonists enjoyed celebrations in many forms of social gatherings.
Horse races were popular along with festivals and other outdoor activities
Storytelling, singing, dancing, playing music such as the fiddle or guitar often lifted the settler’s spirit, helped them escape from their hardship and reminded them of their culture and heritage.

10. Problems in Town No running water or sewage system
Muddy streets and standing water
Unclean living conditions led to diseases such as cholera and smallpox
Indian Raids
copy

11. The Beginning of Texas Ranching
Ranches were established on the northern frontier
Ranchers raised cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats and hogs
Provided valuable supplies to colonists, such as wool, animal hides, meat, fat used for soap and candles
Raised horses for soldiers
copy

12. Cattle Industry begins in Texas
Cattle and other livestock had been brought to Texas during colonization
Animals multiplied rapidly on open range
Land grants from the king of Spain helped establish many successful ranches
Most productive ranching area was in Central Texas (San Antonio/Guadalupe R.)
Vaqueros developed many ranching techniques still used today
copy

13. Jose de Escandon’s contribution to Texas
He established Los Adaes as the capital of the province of Texas and established Mission San Saba.
He mapped large portions of the state, making it possible for Spain to send out several groups of colonists.
He established two missions in East Texas as well as a presidio.
He brought almost 6,000 people to South Texas and founded the town of Laredo, the largest and most successful settlement in south Texas
copy

15. Ranching vs. Farming Hard work Adapted to climate & terrain
Compete with missions
Need large amount of land for crops for sale
Not much profit
Shipping crops was costly
Ditches, canals needed for irrigation
Most farms large enough to feed only a single family
Adapted to climate & terrain
Small number of people were needed to work
Most livestock, especially cattle were tough and could handle conditions (?)
Could move cattle in case of danger (?)