An Introduction Of Texas

History of Texas

The History Of Texas

The history of Texas, broadly speaking, has two important parts. Firstly, that of the end of the Upper Paleolithic Period, dating back to10,000 BC. Several nations have played part in shaping the destiny and history of Texas. To name them, Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederacy, and the United States would stand such in order. Before the Europeans arrived, the State was the meeting point (or call it the melting pot), for the native American cultural groups. The process has continuity and the recent history of the State is the interactions between the Mexican, Southwestern, Southern, German, and the Tejano cultural groups.

Native American tribes that once lived inside the boundaries of present-day Texas include the Apache, Atakapan, Bidai, Caddo, Comanche, Cherokee, Karankawa, Kiowa, Tonkawa, and Wichita. Currently, there are three federally recognized native American tribes which reside in Texas: the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas.

Between 1690 and 1821, the Spanish ruled Texas, for 130 long years. It was governed by New Spain as a Spanish Colony. This was done by destroying the French Colony of Fort Saint Louis. The rule continued till 1821, with the independence of Mexico.

In the 17th and 18th century, the tussle between Spain and France continued. They governed the parts of Texas. The Spanish were based in Mexico and New Mexico. The French ruled Louisiana. Then the War of Quadruple Alliance followed in Europe that created waves in Mexico as well. The French succeeded in defeating the Spanish and establishing control over Texas. By the end of the 19th century the French sold their North American holdings to the United States. Spanish control of parts of Texas, was thus threatened.

Ask any one, to name a city in Texas, and Dallas would be the obvious choice. Dallas is the famous city of the Cowboys, the Rangers, and the place where the then President of USA, John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

This history of Texas is closely linked to the history of its important city Dallas. Its beginning could be traced to a spot on the banks of the Trinity River. It was the linking spot between the North Texas and the South Texas.

The history of Texas is a story of secession and readmission. In the first election after the independence in the year 1836, the Texans voted in favor of joining the United States. But, all attempts to arrive at a formal annexation treaty failed. The United States Congress took the matter to its logical conclusions, and a simple majority resolution was passed for annexing Texas to the United States. But, that was done under certain specific conditions, under which Texas reserved many important rights.

The uncertainty however, continued till the year 1845, when the Texas voters approved the USA proposal for total annexation and such a proposal was submitted to the United States Congress.

The history of Texas, right from the Paleolithic period to the modern era, is colorful, full of conflicts and resolutions. A true composite culture has evolved out of all these trials and tribulations. It is a fascinating country for the adventure-seeking people.