Spanish Texas

The Spanish occupation of Texas lasted for 30 years from 1716 until 1821. The Spanish influence has lasted a long time and greatly influenced the names given to towns and cities throughout what we today know as the state of Texas.

San Antonio, one of the 10 largest cities in the United States, was the first municipality in Texas. Hispanic names are used in 42 other counties in the state as well as being used to name rivers and other points of interest.

There are a number of missions in Texas just like in California. However, the Texas missions are older than those in California, but they also bear Spanish names just as those in California do.

A lot of the laws in the state of Texas come from the Spanish influence. These are mostly laws regarding water and land as well as laws governing family relationships.

Many European crops and livestock were introduced into Texas by the Spaniards, who also improved on techniques used by the local Indians.

Texans fought many battles with the Indians and numerous treaties were signed with the different tribes. Raids by local Indian tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, Tonkawa and Hasinai continued for three decades. Once a peace agreement had been reached with the Comanche, they then helped the Texans to defeat a couple of other warring tribes and peace finally came to Texas.

In 1821, Spain gave up its claim to Texas and Texas then came under rule from Mexico. Spanish is not only the second language of Texas but in some areas it is still the first language. All these reasons and more demonstrate the influence that Spain has had on the Lone Star State.