Chapter 6 Section 3 -September 1821 Mexico became independent from Spain The province of Texas was part of this new country -Spain had claimed Texas for almost 300 years, and very little growth Only 3 settlements: San Antonio, Goliad, and Nacogdoches San Antonio Largest Also the capital More than 2,000 people Goliad Once had more than 1,200 people, left after the Gutierrez-Magee expedition Only 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico Nacogdoches Similar to Goliad once had 500 people but town was almost abandoned after Gutierrez-Magee expedition A few smaller settlements existed along Texas’ border Laredo- lower Rio Grande, ranching, Spain didn’t not consider it part of Texas Ysleta-west Texas, governed by Spanish in New Mexico -Spain had been unable to attract many Spanish settlers to Texas for many reasons No gold or silver Was remote, wasn’t like Mexico city with jobs and success Few settlements existed Needed more fertile land for farming and ranching Native Americans Not as much land was available -Spanish authorities neglected Texas; the region was not high on list of priorities -In 1817 Antonio Martinez became Spanish governor of Texas Described poor conditions of Texas (152) Expresses concern and need for more soldiers (153) Explained that without additional troops, he could not defend Spain’s interest in Mexico and Texas -Despite not populating the region Spain left its mark on Texas Many places have Spanish names Most river and bay name remind you of Spanish legacy Dozens of cities with Spanish names El Paso, Amarillo, San Antonio, Llano, Del Rio, etc Spaniards laid out the first roads El Camino Real-Royal highway, later known as old San Antonio road. Settlers brought horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs into Texas Spanish ranching methods, practices and equipment such as lariats and chaps Vaqueros made the first long cattle drives Vaqueros-a cowhand -Texas settlers adapted Spanish customs to frontier conditions, their adjustment formed the beginning of the distinct Tejano culture