The Age of Contact in Texas

_{Age of Contact & Spanish Colonial}

Unit 2 - Cultures Collide

Pineda

• First European Explorer to discover the Texas Coastline

• In 1519 Pineda mapped the Texas Coastline and the entire Gulf Coast as well

Cabeza de Vaca

• Conquistador who had some misfortunes when trying to explore and ended up in Texas

• Was a Karankawa slave for 7 years and eventually gained his freedom

• When he returned home to Spain, he wrote a book of his encounters and it inspired many others to leave Spain in search of Gold & Glory

God, Gold, & Glory

The 3 G's

This Is My Land

• Spain’s discoveries and conquests in the New World showed other European countries that there was opportunity in the Americas.

• By the late 1600's, France was challenging Spain’s claim to the region that includes present-day Texas.

Spain - vs - France

The most direct result of French exploration for Texas was that Spanish interest shifted focus from western Texas to eastern Texas. The Spanish did not want the French taking over what they believed was part of New Spain. After many years of disinterest, Spain now resumed exploring the Gulf Coast and settling in the Texas area of New Spain.

Missions & Presidios

The Spanish decided that to protect their claim, they needed settlements there. Over the next several decades, Spain established missions, military outposts called presidios, and towns in lands occupied by Native Americans. These efforts by the Spanish in the late 1690's helped begin and define the Spanish Colonial era.

Spanish Missions of Texas

Spanish Missions of Texas

Spanish Missions of Texas

Spanish Presidios of Texas

Spanish Presidios of Texas

Who Established The Spanish Missions In Texas?...

Father Damian Massanet

On June 1, 1690 the first Spanish Mission was established in east Texas and was named San Francisco de los Tejas.

Who Established The Spanish Missions In Texas?...

Father Antonio Margil de Jesus

In 1720 he founded Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo in San Antonio. This mission in San Antonio was the most successful mission in Texas.

Who Established The Spanish Missions In Texas?...

Father Francisco Hidalgo

Hidalgo developed relationships with the N.A. tribes in the area and wanted to provide a place to teach them the Spanish ways of life. He secretly reached out to the French officials for help. Going behind the back of the Spanish officials was dangerous but that is how bad he wanted to help the tribes in his area.