Welcome to the Texas Historical Commission’s mobile tour, Hispanic
Texans: Journey from Empire to Democracy.
Even though the first non-native settlers in Texas
were Spanish and most Texas place names are
rooted in Mexican culture, a lot of people believe Texas
history began in 1836—with the Alamo and Texas’
Independence from Mexico.
But the history of Hispanic Texas goes all the way back to 1519
when a Spanish explorer claimed it for his King and country.
In the centuries since, Texas
has had a rich Hispanic history of conquistadors, missionaries, ranchos,
impresarios, vaqueros, revolutionaries, civil right leaders, migrant workers,
and many others.
In
fact, Texas would not be Texas without the profound influence of
Hispanic Texans, whose contributions are
substantive, long term, and deeply rooted.
This tour serves as an introduction to the rich and colorful
Hispanic experience in Texas and a starting
point for all visitors to better appreciate the role of Tejanos in the making
of the Lone Star State.