Engaging Texas History Resources

Spanish Missions of Texas

For over 100 years missions were built to protect Spanish territory and spread the Christian religion.  Visit eleven historic sites across Texas and Mexico to learn the story of the rise and fall of the mission and presidio culture. Link to sample below. (Color).﻿
Worksheet/activity sets for Elementary or Secondary

Life in the Texas Missions

Spanish missions were designed to bring European civilization to the Native American tribes of Texas. Learn how a mission was built, daily life in the mission, and jobs of priests, soldiers, and Indians. (Color)﻿
Worksheet/activity sets for Elementary or Secondary

Filibusters and Empresarios – Vol. 1

In the years between 1750 and 1821, Texas was touched by the power struggle between England, France, and Spain for control of North America.  Also, into Texas came the filibusters like Philip Nolan, Bernardo Gutierrez, Augustus Magee, Jean LaFitte and Dr. James Long to challenge Spanish control. Link to sample video below. (Color)﻿
Worksheet/activity sets for Elementary or Secondary

Filibusters and Empresarios – Vol. 2

The promise of rich farmland drew American settlers to Texas beginning in 1821.  Led by Stephen F Austin, the 1st Empresario, these pioneers established the ”Old 300” colony.  They paved the way for other empresario groups to follow. (Color)﻿
Worksheet/activity sets for Elementary or Secondary

Causes of the Texas Revolution

When Mexico won independence from Spain and wrote a new Democratic Constitution in 1824, Anglo American settlers thought that Texas had a bright future as part of the Republic of Mexico. But events both in Mexico and Texas over the next 12 years caused conflict to grow between Mexican leaders and Anglo and Tejano settlers in Texas. Follow the events leading Texas to Independence from Mexico from the Fredonia Rebellion to the “Come and Take it “ Cannon, from Anahuac to San Jacinto.

 (Color)﻿
Worksheet/activity sets for Elementary or Secondary