1650-1800

Two of the most powerful countries in Europe

Both wanted control of Texas, but needed to occupy land

Spain had explored Texas for gold and found none

La Salle claimed the Mississippi River and all the land it watered and all its branches for France

In 1685 La Salle could not find the mouth of the Mississippi, so he sailed on to Texas

Texas lay between Spanish Texas and French Louisiana

Spain’s 1st mission in Texas was Corpus Christi de la Ysleta near present-day El Paso in 1682

In 1690, The Viceroy of New Spain sent DeLeon and Massanet to establish missions in East Texas because the Caddoes there were so friendly and close to French land

East Texas Missions failed due to distance from Mexico City, disease, and drought

France built trading posts in what is now Mississippi and Alabama

St. Denis crossed the Rio Grande at a Priest’s request and was arrested by the Spanish

In 1716 Spain built several new Missions in east Texas

In 1716 the settlement of Nacogdoches was established

In order to succeed, the missions would need a steady source of supplies

Part way between Mexico City and east Texas Missions—In 1718 Mission San Antonio de Valero was established at the San Antonio River (later became the Alamo)

Missions were not successful due to lack of interest by the Native Texans

Mission life was too confining and too different from their way of life

Chicken War made Spanish look foolish

Marques de Aguayo was sent by the Spanish to reopen the failed Missions which he stocked well with supplies

He also set up Mission Adeas which was considered the “eyes and ears” for French activity

Aguayo set up strong Presidios with brass cannons and many soldiers to show Spanish force

In all 10 Missions and 4 Presidios were in operation

Canary Island families move to San Antonio

Some Missions move from east Texas to San Antonio and Goliad

French continue trading with Native Texans

Missions were established in Central Texas, but failed

Mission San Saba is established in northwest Texas, but is destroyed by the Comanches

Count Jose de Escandon established missions in South Texas settling 6000 people in 20 towns

Marques de Rubi was sent by the Spanish King to inspect the Spanish lands

He recommended that all Missions be closed except in San Antonio and Goliad

East Texas settlers continued to live in Nacogdoches, but with little protection

San Antonio becomes the largest settlement in Texas with Nacogdoches as second largest