Spanish Texas

Common card · No. 259627

Spanish Texas refers to the period of Spanish claim, exploration, and colonial administration in the region that became Texas, within the Viceroyalty of New Spain, from 1519 until 1821. During the later colonial period, Texas was associated with the interior provinces. Spanish slave-raiding expeditions into what became Texas began in the 16th century and contributed to conflict and distrust between Spaniards and Native American peoples. Spain did not attempt to establish a permanent settlement in Texas until after France established the colony of Fort Saint Louis in 1685. In 1688, the French colony collapsed amid internal dissension and attacks by the Karankawa. In 1690, responding to concerns about French encroachment, Spanish explorer Alonso de León escorted several Catholic missionaries to east Texas, where they established the first mission in Texas. In 1716, the Spanish began establishing several additional missions and a presidio to maintain a buffer between Spanish territory and...

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