Spanish victory in 1819
138-625: Mexican victory in 1821 The Long Expedition was an 1819 attempt to take control of Spanish Texas by filibusters . It was led by James Long and successfully established a small independent government, known as the Republic of Texas (distinct from the later Republic of Texas created by the Texas Revolution ). The expedition crumbled later in the year, as Spanish troops drove the invaders out. Long returned to Texas in 1820 and attempted to reestablish his control. In October 1821, Long
276-619: A Mayan sailor named Tomás de la Cruz. The Karankawa also burned the ship and the newly created map, possibly the first detailed Spanish map of the Texas-Louisiana coast. Several months later, the Native Americans living at Mission Rosario, near La Bahía, escaped to join the Karankawa, and together they began raiding livestock and harassing settlers. The governor pardoned many of the fugitives, and most of them returned to
414-760: A French deserter living in southern Texas with the Coahuiltecans . In April 1689, the Frenchman helped guide the Spanish, under Alonso de León , to Fort Saint Louis , which had been destroyed by Karankawa Indians. De León's expedition also met representatives of the Caddo people, who lived between the Trinity and the Red Rivers. The Caddo expressed interest in learning about Christianity . De León sent
552-459: A French flag. After a skirmish in which 52 Spaniards were killed, wounded, or deserted, the Spanish retreated. The San Sabá presidio was replaced with a limestone fortress and a moat, but the Comanches and their allies remained close and killed any soldiers who ventured out. By 1769, Spain abandoned the fort. In 1762, missionaries established two unauthorized missions south of San Sabá, in
690-550: A Spanish colony failed due to the hostility of the Caddo Indians. The Spanish returned to southeastern Texas in 1716, establishing several missions and a presidio to maintain a buffer between Spanish territory and the Louisiana district of New France . San Antonio was founded in 1719 and became the capital and largest settlement of Spanish Tejas . The Lipan Apache menaced the newly founded colony until 1749 when
828-673: A contingent of soldiers under Pedro de Aguirre traveled into Texas. His expedition reached only as far as the Colorado River and turned around after learning that the Tejas chief was still unhappy with the Spanish. The group did visit the area around the San Antonio River , and was much impressed with the land and availability of water. They believed the river to be unnamed and called it San Antonio de Padua, not realizing that Terán and Massanet had camped nearby years before on
966-615: A disadvantage. The Lipan Apache , who had been seasonal farmers, were soon pressed by the Comanche , who had horses, and the Wichita , who had guns. The Apaches were bitter enemies of the Tejas of East Texas and had transferred their enmity to the Spanish as friends of the Tejas. After discovering San Antonio in 1720, the Apache mounted small-scale raids on the area to steal livestock, especially horses. The Hispanic population of San Antonio
1104-654: A formerly drained wetland dammed in 1962, which also offers fishing and boating. Soils in this area are a combination of leaf mold and red clays, sand, and sediments. The area is part of the Chestnut Salt Dome. Though Natchitoches has few multistorey buildings, it has retained much of its historic European-style architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Natchitoches Historic District . The city
1242-598: A freight transfer point for cotton shipped from parts of east Texas . Cotton shippers used a land route crossing the Sabine River to Natchitoches, where the freight was transferred to boats, and floated down the Red River to New Orleans . When the course of the Red River shifted, it bypassed Natchitoches and cut off its lucrative connection with the Mississippi River. A 33-mile (53 km) oxbow lake
1380-595: A friendship with the Bidai tribe, who reported any signs of foreigners along the coast. In the summer of 1777, Gil Ybarbo discovered that a group of Englishmen had come from the sea and stayed long enough to plant a crop near the Neches River . He led an expedition to find the Englishmen, but, although they discovered the fields, the expedition did not find any of the settlers. In 1779, the Comanches began raiding
1518-436: A household in the city was $ 23,261, and for a family was $ 30,396. Males had a median income of $ 28,601 versus $ 17,859 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 12,642. About 26.7% of families and 34.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.0% of those under age 18 and 19.2% of those aged 65 or over. Following continued population decline in the area, in part due to mechanization of agriculture, by
SECTION 10
#17327721002111656-422: A large smuggling operation on Galveston Island . His letter suggested that the new government establish an admiralty court at Galveston, and offered to appoint Lafitte governor of Galveston. Unbeknownst to Long, Lafitte was actually a Spanish spy. While making numerous promises–and excuses–to Long, Lafitte gathered information about the expedition and passed it on to Spanish authorities. By July 16,
1794-533: A maximum population of perhaps 5,000 Spanish, mixed blood, and subject Indians in 1810, only 2,500 people remained in Hispanic Texas by the end of the war. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and Spanish Texas became part of an independent Mexico. Texas became independent of Mexico in 1836 and joined the United States in 1845. The Spanish never achieved control of most of Texas which
1932-483: A mixture of Spanish, French, Indians, and a few blacks. The settlers were given only five days to prepare to relocate to San Antonio. Many of them perished during the three-month trek and others died soon after arriving. After protesting, they were permitted in the following year to return to East Texas, but only as far as the Trinity River, 175 miles (282 km) from Natchitoches. Led by Antonio Gil Y'Barbo ,
2070-505: A more westward presence. The Spanish countered by founding two more missions just west of Natchitoches, San Miguel de los Adaes and Dolores de los Ais. The missions were located in a disputed area; France claimed the Sabine River to be the western boundary of Louisiana, while Spain claimed the Red River was the eastern boundary of Texas, leaving an overlap of 45 miles (72 km). The new missions were over 400 miles (640 km) from
2208-612: A new mission for the Karankawa tribes, Nuestra Señora del Rosario de los Cuhanes , was built upstream of the presidio. This mission survived for many years. Despite the new missions and presidios, Texas was one of the least populated provinces on the northern frontier of New Spain. By 1760, almost 1,200 Hispanic people lived in Texas, with half in San Antonio, 350 at Los Adaes , and 260 at La Bahía. Other Spaniards lived in what
2346-541: A permanent presence until after France established the colony of Fort Saint Louis in 1685. In 1688, the French colony failed due to internal dissention and attacks by the Karankawa Indians. In 1690, responding to fear of French encroachment, Spanish explorer Alonso de León escorted several Catholic missionaries to east Texas , where they established the first mission in Texas. That attempt to establish
2484-518: A population vacuum later filled by Anglo American settlers. Grazing of European livestock caused mesquite to spread inland replacing native grassland while Spanish farmers tilled and irrigated the land and changed the landscape. Although Texas eventually adopted much of the Anglo-American legal system, many Spanish legal practices survived , including the concepts of a homestead exemption and of community property . Spanish Texas ( Tejas )
2622-563: A presidio which would be guarded by twenty-five soldiers. The party of 75 people included 3 children, 7 women, 18 soldiers, and 10 missionaries. These were the first recorded female settlers in Spanish Texas. After marrying a Spanish woman, St. Denis also joined the Spanish expedition. The party reached the land of the Hasinai people in late June 1716 and was greeted warmly. On July 3, mission San Francisco
2760-587: A report of his findings to Mexico City , where it "created instant optimism and quickened religious fervor". The Spanish government was convinced that the destruction of the French fort was "proof of God's 'divine aid and favor'". In his report de León recommended that presidios be established along the Rio Grande , the Frio River , and the Guadalupe River and that missions be established among
2898-554: A second expedition. Fifty men attempted to join him from the United States, but they were arrested by American authorities as they tried to cross into Texas. The men who had joined Long were disappointed they were paid in scrip , and they gradually began to desert. By December 1820, Long commanded only 50 men. With the aid of Ben Milam and others, Long revitalized the Supreme Council. He later broke with Milam, and
SECTION 20
#17327721002113036-479: A state in 1812. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the land acquired by the Louisiana Purchase . Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University . Its sister city is Nacogdoches, Texas . Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Canadien explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis . It is the oldest permanent European settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase . Natchitoches
3174-546: A surgeon in the War of 1812 . The Natchez newspaper opined that "Never was [there] a more propitious moment for effecting their purpose." By the end of June, Long had received pledges for over $ 500,000, and about 200 men, including James Bowie and Ben Milam , had gathered for the expedition. Eli Harris led 120 men across the Sabine River to Nacogdoches . Long followed two weeks later with an additional 75 men. On June 22,
3312-431: A way to retake Eastern Texas without using force. The expedition brought with them over 2,800 horses, 6,400 sheep and many goats; this constituted the first large "cattle drive" in Texas. This greatly increased the number of domesticated animals in Texas and marked the beginning of Spanish ranching in Texas. In July 1721, while approaching the Neches River , Aguayo's expedition met St. Denis, who had returned to
3450-419: Is a major industry in the area, as well. Natchitoches Regional Airport serves cities (via FBO) such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Monroe, and Shreveport. It is adjacent to Northwestern State University; together, they offer flight training. The airport is under renovation to become one of the country's most advanced non-towered airports . The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
3588-556: Is a major tourist attraction, where tourists may feed the alligators and dine and shop. The park teaches school children to respect nature and to conserve its many habitats. Natchitoches is home to a branch of the Kisatchie National Forest , a designation promoted by naturalist Caroline Dormon to preserve regional natural wonders. Opened December 2005, the Natchitoches Events Center is in
3726-423: Is a mesh of wrought iron , stucco , and red brick . The city still has one of the original brick streets (Front Street), which the historical society protects from alterations. The city of Natchitoches recently completed a restoration project to repair the century-old brick street. During this process, workers removed each brick one by one, numbered it, cleaned it, and then replaced it after utilities, drainage, and
3864-462: Is based here. They handle over six species of fish and other wildlife. The parish attracts numerous sports fishermen during the seasons. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a well-known celebration of the holidays for locals. The festival is held on the river. Since completion of Interstate 49 , many business have either moved or have been built outside the city's central area. Gas stations and hotels have developed in this area and serve many of
4002-691: Is held the first Saturday in December. The lights continue to brighten the Cane River until after New Year's Day. In 2019 the festival celebrated its 93rd year. The Northwestern Campus is also home to the Louisiana Scholars' College , the state's designated honors college for the study of the liberal arts and sciences. As a part of its effort to become a global campus, NSU is a sister university with many universities in Asia. Natchitoches Parish
4140-764: Is now the El Paso area, but that was considered part of New Mexico and not part of Texas. On November 3, 1762, as part of the Treaty of Fontainebleau , France ceded the portion of Louisiana west of the Mississippi River to Spain. Spain had assisted France against Britain in the Seven Years' War , and lost both Manila and Havana to the British. Although the Louisiana colony was a financial liability, King Carlos III of Spain reluctantly accepted it, as that meant France
4278-405: The 2020 United States Census , there were 18,039 people, 6,222 households, and 2,773 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 census, 18,323 people, 6,705 households, and 3,631 families were residing in the city. The population density was 828.5 inhabitants per square mile (319.9/km ). The 7,906 housing units averaged 312.2 units per square mile (120.5 units/km ). The racial makeup of
Long Expedition - Misplaced Pages Continue
4416-840: The Adams–Onís Treaty , which established the boundary of the Louisiana Purchase at the Sabine River . Many Americans were outraged that the United States had abandoned any claim to Texas. Rhetoric was especially high in Natchez, Mississippi . James Long , a doctor, was one of the most vehement voices against the treaty. Public sentiment in Natchez soon swung to military action to take back territory they were convinced belonged to them. Men began to gather in Natchez for an invasion of Texas. They soon elected Long as their leader, although his only prior military experience had been as
4554-517: The Cane River Creole National Historical Park , which was authorized in 1994, with the support of US Senator J. Bennett Johnston . He was a cousin by marriage of Betty Hertzog, the last of the family to live in the great house at Magnolia. Tours and interpretive programs at both sites continue to attract visitors, especially as they grapple with telling the difficult history of slavery and its aftermath at
4692-483: The City of Natchitoches , is a small city and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish , Louisiana , United States. At the 2020 United States Census, the city's population was 18,039. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana , the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people . The City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, after Louisiana had become
4830-642: The Great American Main Street Award for the effort the community has put into revitalizing and restoring much of the historic district. The city's tourism center is the downtown river walk. This includes Front Street, which becomes Jefferson at the Texas Street light. Front Street is the jewel of the city. It overlooks the river walk and is bordered by an assortment of shops and boutiques. The city has identified this area as its historical district. The Historical Society maintains
4968-679: The Hasinai Indians, whom the Spanish called the Tejas , in East Texas . In Castilian Spanish , this was often written as the phonetic equivalent Texas , which became the name of the future province. The viceroy approved the establishment of a mission but rejected the idea of presidios, primarily because New Spain was chronically short of funds. On March 26, 1690, Alonso de León set out with 110 soldiers and several missionaries. The group stopped first to burn Fort Saint Louis to
5106-568: The Marquis of Rubí to inspect all of the presidios on the northern frontier of New Spain and make recommendations for the future. Rubí's two-year journey, beginning in early 1766, covered seven thousand miles (11,000 km) from the Gulf of California to East Texas. This was the first comprehensive look at the New Spain frontier since the 1720s, when Pedro de Rivera conducted his expedition. Rubí
5244-603: The Mississippi River , ending Spain's exclusive control of the Gulf Coast. Although Spain "refused to concede France's right to be in Louisiana" and warned King Louis XIV of France that he could be excommunicated for ignoring the 200-year-old papal edict giving the Americas to Spain, they took no further actions to stop France's encroachment or expand the Spanish presence. The two countries became allies during
5382-531: The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District . Located at 750 Second Street, the facility has a 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m ) meeting facility, a 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m ) exhibit hall with three meeting rooms, a board room, and a full-sized catering kitchen. A Troop 2-108TH CAV is headquartered behind the local college and the airport. This unit has been deployed twice to Iraq, first as part of
5520-529: The Nueces River valley. For several years the Apache lived in the missions most of the year, but left in winter to hunt buffalo. One of the missions closed in 1763, when the Apache never returned from their hunt. The surviving mission closed in January 1766, after a force of 400 natives from the northern tribes attacked, killing 6 Apaches and taking 25 captives as well as all the livestock in
5658-620: The Red River formed the boundary between the two, France insisted that the border was the Sabine River , 45 miles (72 km) to the west. Although Alonso Álvarez de Pineda claimed Texas for Spain in 1519, the area was largely ignored by Spain until the late seventeenth century. However Spanish slave raids into what became Texas began in the late 16th century. Among others, Spanish governor Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva captured hundreds of Indians and sold them to owners of silver mines in Mexico. Frequent epidemics of European diseases reduced
Long Expedition - Misplaced Pages Continue
5796-579: The Tejas Indians, four amongst the Kadohadachos , and one for the tribes near the Guadalupe River . He was only able to recruit 10 friars and 3 lay brothers. His expedition reached the existing mission in August, 1691 and discovered that the priests there had established a second mission, Santísimo Nombre de María , five miles (8.0 km) east of San Francisco de los Tejas . One of
5934-489: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 25.1 square miles (65 km ), of which 21.6 square miles (56 km ) are land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km ) (14.21%) are covered by water. A 35-mi-long (56 km) lake was formed from a portion of the Red River when it changed course. It is now known as Cane River Lake. The municipal water supply comes from nearby Sibley Lake ,
6072-542: The War of the Spanish Succession and cooperated in the Americas. Despite their friendship, Spain remained unwilling to allow the French to trade within their territory. On hearing rumors of French incursions into Texas in 1707, the viceroy of New Spain ordered all provincial governors to prevent the entry of foreigners and their goods. To dissuade the Tejas Indians from accepting goods from the French,
6210-426: The 1-156TH Armor Battalion in 2004–2005, and then as part of the 2-108TH CAV SQDN in 2010. Both times, this company-sized unit deployed with the 256th Infantry Brigade ., The Natchitoches Meat Pie is one of the official state foods of Louisiana. It is known as a regional delicacy of North Louisiana. (See List of U.S. state foods.) Natchitoches has long been known for its popular Christmas Festival of Lights which
6348-734: The 1770s, the Comanche raided in New Mexico . The Comanche were defeated in a battle in Colorado in 1779 by a Spanish army led by New Mexico governor Juan Bautista de Anza and redirected their activities to the weakly defended Texas. During the same time period the Apaches, who had been stockpiling guns received from the Karankawas, returned to raiding settlements in Texas, violating their peace treaty. The Comanche promptly declared war on
6486-440: The 1970s, Natchitoches had suffered an economic downturn that resulted in a 65% vacancy in the commercial district. Because of efforts to revitalize the city and emphasize its unique historic assets, as described above, vacancy is now about 1%. The Port of Natchitoches—a river port on the Red River —is located off the eastbound part of U.S. Route 84 , just outside Natchitoches. The port exports lumber from yards onsite, as forestry
6624-567: The 20th century, the mile-long French colonial area of downtown, which lies along Cane Lake, was designated as a National Historic District . Many buildings were adapted as antique shops, restaurants and souvenir emporiums. To accommodate tourists, the town had 32 bed-and-breakfast inns, the highest in the state. By 2018, that number had increased to 50. The plantation country surrounds Cane River Lake. The markedly intact downriver Magnolia and Oakland plantations were designated as National Historic Landmarks , and are part of what has been developed as
6762-460: The Apache in 1791 and 1792, and the Apache were forced to scatter into the mountains in Mexico. In 1796, Spanish officials began an attempt to have the Apache and Comanche coexist in peace, and over the next ten years the intertribal fighting declined. In 1776, Native Americans at the Bahia missions told the soldiers that the Karankawas had massacred a group of Europeans who had been shipwrecked near
6900-413: The Apache. Gálvez became the viceroy of New Spain in 1785. Gálvez ordered that the Native Americans be encouraged to use alcohol, which they could only get through trading, and that the firearms they were traded be poorly made so that they would be awkward to use and easy to break. His policies were never implemented, as Spain did not have the money to provide gifts such as those to the tribes. Instead,
7038-541: The Bucareli area, and the settlers chose to move further east to the old mission of Nacogdoches, where they founded the town of the same name. The new town quickly became a waystation for contraband. The settlers did not have authorization to move, and no troops were assigned to protect the new location until 1795. The tribes traded freely, and soon many had acquired French guns, while others had traded for Spanish horses. Tribes without access to either resource were left at
SECTION 50
#17327721002117176-549: The Comanche and the Spanish in Texas was in 1743 when a small band of Comanche visited San Antonio. The Comanche were expanding southward from Colorado and pushing the Apache off the Great Plains. About 1750 they became the dominant power in the northwestern one-half of Texas, called the Comanchería (Spanish for " Comanche lands"), and maintained their dominance for 100 years. Through a combination of diplomacy and war,
7314-572: The Comanche established an extensive long-distance trade network and spread their language and culture among allied Indian tribes. Initially, the Spanish in Texas called them the norteños (northerners) a collective term for the Wichita and other Indian tribes in northern Texas. The Comanche were divided into the western bands which primarily raided and traded in New Mexico and the eastern banks which primarily raided and traded in Texas. For much of
7452-524: The Deadose, Mayeye, and Coco Indians. In 1748 alone, the Apaches raided the mission four times, killing three soldiers and four of the Indian residents. Many of the resident Indians fled the mission due to the threat of attacks. This did not deter the missionaries, who founded two more missions, San Ildefonso and Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, in the area the following year. Within six months, all of
7590-455: The French and the American revolutionaries and money and troops were diverted to attacking Florida instead of exterminating the Apaches. After soldiers in Coahuila aligned with the Mescaleros against the Lipan Apaches, however, Spain was able to sign a peace treaty with the Lipans. The Comanches were also becoming more brazen, attacking Presidio La Bahía in 1781, where they were repulsed. After hearing that Englishman George Gauld had surveyed
7728-550: The French and was leading a raid on San Antonio. Realizing that he was badly outnumbered, St. Denis agreed to abandon East Texas and return to Louisiana. Aguayo then ordered the building of a new Spanish fort Nuestra Señora del Pilar de los Adaes , located near present-day Robeline, Louisiana , only 12 miles (19 km) from Natchitoches. The new fort became the first capital of Texas, and was guarded by 6 cannon and 100 soldiers. The six East Texas missions were reopened, and Presidio Dolores, now known as Presidio de los Tejas,
7866-419: The French from returning, Spain built the presidio of San Agustín de Ahumada and the mission of Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Orcoquisac near the mouth of the Trinity at Galveston Bay . Conditions were awful at the new location, and both the presidio and the mission were closed in 1770. The Presidio La Bahía was moved from the Guadalupe River to Goliad on the San Antonio River in 1749. Within five years,
8004-463: The French traders. Indians confirmed in 1746 that French traders periodically arrived by sea to trade with tribes in the lower Trinity River region. Eight years later, the Spanish learned of rumors that the French had opened a trading post at the mouth of the Trinity River. In September 1754, the governor, Jacinto de Barrios y Jáuregui sent soldiers to investigate, and they captured five Frenchmen who had been living at an Indian village. To dissuade
8142-408: The Gulf Coast all the way to Galveston Bay in 1777, Bernardo de Gálvez appointed a French engineer, Luis Antonio Andry, to conduct a similar survey for Spain. Andry finished his survey in March 1778, and anchored off Matagorda Bay after running dangerously low on provisions. Over a period of days, the Karankawa lured a few men at a time from the ship with offers of assistance and killed all but one,
8280-551: The Indian population. The first epidemic, possibly of cholera , among the Indians in Texas was recorded in 1528 by Cabeza de Vaca and they continued to impact the Indian population until the end of the 19th century. In 1685, the Spanish learned that France had established a colony in the area between New Spain and Florida . Believing the French colony was a threat to Spanish mines and shipping routes, Spanish King Carlos II's Council of War recommended that "Spain needed swift action 'to remove this thorn which has been thrust into
8418-691: The Natchitoches Christmas Festival visitors. In 1998, Natchitoches was named one of the top six places in the United States to retire by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine . The Cane River National Heritage Area is a 116,000-acre (470 km ) area which includes many sites such as Oakland Plantation , Melrose Plantation , Badin-Roque House , Magnolia Plantation , Kate Chopin House , Cherokee Plantation, Cane River Heritage Scenic Byway, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site , National Historic Landmark District (Old Courthouse Museum, Bishop Martin Museum, Landmarks in Time Exhibit), and Los Adaes State Historic Site . Because of this richness of culture,
SECTION 60
#17327721002118556-450: The Red River. Numerous enslaved African Americans were brought to the area through the domestic slave trade to work the cotton, and provide all other skills on these plantations, generating the revenues for the wealthy planters before the Civil War. The United States Government established a federal fur trade factory here in 1805. It was removed to Sulphur Fork, Arkansas in 1818. In the 1820s and early 1830s, Natchitoches also served as
8694-409: The San Antonio River in May 1731, increasing the number of missions in the San Antonio area to five. The San Antonio missions usually contained fewer than 300 Indians. Many of those who lived at the mission had nowhere else to go, and belonged to small tribes that have since become extinct. The Spanish government believed that settlers would defend their property, alleviating the need for some of
8832-412: The San Saba horse herd, stealing all of the horses and pack mules and killing 20 soldiers. In October 1759, Spain sent the San Sabá commander, Colonel Diego Ortiz Parrilla , on an expedition north to the Red River to avenge the attack. The tribes were forewarned and led Parrilla's army to a fortified Wichita village, surrounded by a stockade and a moat, where natives brandished French guns and waved
8970-480: The Spanish Consul in New Orleans had warned the viceroy in Mexico City that "I am fully persuaded that the present is the most serious expedition that has threatened the Kingdom". With Lafitte's lack of assistance, the expedition soon ran low on provisions. Long dispersed his men to forage for food. Discipline began to break down, and many men, including Bowie, returned home. In early October, Lafitte reached an agreement with Long to make Galveston an official port for
9108-459: The Spanish and Lipan concluded a peace treaty. Both the Spanish and Lipan were then threatened by Comanche raids until 1785 when the Spanish and Comanche negotiated a peace agreement. In 1803, the United States gained ownership of an indefinite part of Texas with the Louisiana Purchase and subsequently the influence of Anglo Americans increased. During the Mexican War of Independence from 1810 to 1821 Texas experienced turmoil. Reaching
9246-410: The Spanish efforts would be as successful as in the Philippines a century and a half earlier. The alternate name became official and remained in use for several decades, but had virtually disappeared from use (in favor of 'Texas') by the end of the century. The name however persisted in documents, especially in land grants At the same time, the French were building a fort in Natchitoches to establish
9384-494: The Spanish frontier, at that time around the Rio Grande , where Hidalgo was located. Although St. Denis was arrested and questioned, he was ultimately released. The Spanish recognized that the French could become a threat to other Spanish areas, and ordered the reoccupation of Texas as a buffer between French settlements in Louisiana and New Spain . On April 12, 1716, an expedition led by Domingo Ramón left San Juan Bautista for Texas, intending to establish four missions and
9522-535: The Spanish government for 50 soldiers to burn the Indians' houses of worship and force them to build homes near the missions. No troops were forthcoming. Rivera recommended closing Presidio de los Tejas and reducing the number of soldiers at the other presidios. His suggestions were approved in 1729, and 125 troops were removed from Texas, leaving only 144 soldiers divided among Los Adaes, La Bahía, and San Antonio. The three East Texas missions which had depended on Presidio de los Tejas were relocated along
9660-416: The Spanish negotiated a treaty with the Comanche in late 1785. The treaty promised annual gifts to the Comanches, and the peace it brought lasted for the next 30 years. By late 1786, northern and western Texas were secure enough that Pedro Vial and a single companion safely "pioneered a trail from San Antonio to Santa Fe ," a distance of 700 miles (1,100 km). The Comanches were willing to fight
9798-464: The Texas coast. De Croix was unimpressed with his new province, complaining that, "'A villa without order, two presidios, seven missions, and an errant population of scarcely 4,000 persons of both sexes and all ages that occupies an immense desert country, stretching from the abandoned presidio of Los Adaes to San Antonio, ... does not deserve the name of the Province of Texas ... nor the concern entailed in its preservation.'" Despite his distaste for
9936-589: The antebellum years as cotton-producing Magnolia Plantation and Oakland Plantation . Each has been preserved and is designated as a National Historic Landmark . After the United States' Louisiana Purchase of 1803, migration into the territory increased from the US. Natchitoches grew along with the population in the parish. Initially, the Americans were primarily of English and Scots-Irish ancestry and of Protestant faith. They developed several cotton plantations along
10074-488: The area and fled to San Antonio. The Marquis of San Miguel de Aguayo volunteered to reconquer Texas and raised an army of 500 soldiers. Aguayo was named the governor of Coahuila and Texas and the responsibilities of his office delayed his trip to Texas by a year, until late 1720. Just before he departed, the fighting in Europe halted, and King Felipe V of Spain ordered them not to invade Louisiana, but instead find
10212-445: The area from 1776 until 1783. As de Croix prepared to take office, his predecessor, Baron of Ripperdà, wrote a detailed report, dated April 27, 1777, of the settlements in Texas. One-third of the report detailed the village of Bucareli, which he labeled as "'of the greatest importance as a means of acquiring reports of a coast as extensive as it is uninhabited.'" The Bucareli settlers regularly performed coastal explorations and developed
10350-502: The area is one of the destinations on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail newly designated by the state. Natchitoches, a popular tourism area of the state, is equipped to serve visitors with 11 national chain hotels, and 27 bed-and-breakfast inns. Natchitoches attracts over one million visitors annually. The city is known as a retiree-friendly city. In 2006, Natchitoches was awarded
10488-506: The area through regulations on changes and restorations. Natchitoches has a mini "Walk of Fame" located in the historical district of the city. While visiting the area, tourists may notice many unusual structures; these are many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lights. The city recently built a small convention center located on Second Street, which holds many city events. The Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
10626-489: The area, he increased the number of troops in the interior provinces by 50% and created units of "light troops" which did not carry all of the heavy gear and could fight on foot. His administration also attempted to build alliances with native troops, and planned to work with the Comanche and the Wichita to wipe out the Apache raiders. The plan was shelved when Spain entered the American Revolution as an ally of
10764-606: The assistance of 100 Indians from nearby Mission Valero. The Apache also preyed on other tribes, including the Deadose and Tonkawa . In the 1740s, these weaker tribes requested missions along the San Gabriel River in the hopes that the Spanish could protect them from attack. Mission San Francisco Xavier was established at the confluence of the San Gabriel River and Bushy Creek in January 1746 to serve
10902-495: The city government. The newcomers did not know how to handle horses, rendering them useless in mounted warfare against the Apaches. Unlike the established settlers, who relied on ranching, the Islanders were primarily farmers, and their refusal to build fences led to many disagreements when livestock trampled the fields. By the early 1740s, however, intermarriage and the need for closer economic ties had helped to alleviate some of
11040-512: The city was 59.0% African American, 36.4% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race was 1.7% of the population. Of the 6,113 households, 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.3% were married couples living together, 21.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were not families. About 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who
11178-458: The colony. The new immigrants began farming and renamed the town San Fernando de Béxar, establishing the first municipal, and only civilian, government in Texas. Juan Leal Goraz , the oldest of the settlers, was appointed the first councilman. As the first settlers of the municipality, the Islanders and their descendants were designated hidalgos . The established settlers resented the Islanders for their new titles and exclusive privileges within
11316-551: The combined force declared a new government, with Long as president and a 21-member Supreme Council. The following day, they issued a declaration of independence, modeled on the United States Declaration of Independence . The document cited several grievances, including "Spanish rapacity" and "odious tyranny" and promised religious freedom , freedom of the press , and free trade . The council also allocated 10 square miles (30 km) of land to each member of
11454-499: The disease and at first blamed the outbreak on the baptismal waters. After thousands of natives had succumbed, the survivors rose up against the missions. In 1693, the Caddo warned the Franciscan missionaries to leave the area or be killed. The missionaries buried the church bells and burned the mission, then returned to Mexico. Although this first Spanish attempt to settle Texas failed, it provided Spain an increased awareness of
11592-558: The enemies of their new friends, and soon attacked the Karankawa. Over the next several years, the Comanches killed many of the Karankawa in the area and drove the others into Mexico. By 1804, very few natives lived on the barrier islands, where the Karankawa had made their home. In January 1790, the Comanche also helped the Spanish fight a large battle against the Mescalero and Lipan Apaches at Soledad Creek west of San Antonio. Over 1,000 Comanche warriors participated in raids against
11730-509: The expedition led an uncertain existence until September 19, 1821, when Long and 52 men marched inland to capture Presidio La Bahía . The town fell easily on October 4, but four days later Long was forced to surrender by Spanish troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ignacio Pérez. He was taken prisoner and sent to Mexico City, where about six months later he was shot and killed by a guard — reportedly bribed to do so by José Félix Trespalacios . Spanish Texas Spanish Texas
11868-582: The expedition, and authorized the sale of additional land to raise cash for the fledgling government. Within a month, the expedition had grown to 300 members. The new government established trading outposts near Anahuac along the Trinity River and the Brazos River . They also began the first English-language newspaper ever published in Texas. The Texas Republican lasted only one month, August 1819. Long also contacted Jean Lafitte , who ran
12006-536: The feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua and had given the river the same name. In 1711, Franciscan missionary Francisco Hidalgo , who had served in the earlier Texas missions, wanted to reestablish missions with the Caddos . The Spanish government was unwilling to provide the funding and troops for the project, so Hidalgo approached the French governor of Louisiana , Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac for help. Cadillac
12144-529: The foundation were repaired beneath. Natchitoches lies in a boundary region that separates the plains of Texas from the consistently humid Gulf Coast . Summers are hot and humid. Winters in Natchitoches are relatively mild, with measurable snowfall once every 5–10 years. Natchitoches averages 54.93 inches (1,395 mm) of rain per year. The city is in an area that frequently experiences severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. As of
12282-465: The garrison. Aguayo returned to Mexico City in 1722 and resigned his governorship. At the beginning of his expedition, Texas had consisted only of San Antonio and about 60 soldiers; at his resignation, the province had grown to consist of 4 presidios, over 250 soldiers, 10 missions, and the small civilian town of San Antonio. Shortly after Aguayo returned to Mexico, the new viceroy of New Spain, Juan de Acuña, marqués de Casafuerte ,
12420-456: The ground, and then they proceeded to East Texas. Mission San Francisco de los Tejas was completed near the Hasinai village of Nabedaches in late May, and its first mass was conducted on June 1. The missionaries refused to allow the unruly soldiers to remain near the missions, and when de León returned to Mexico later that year, only 3 of his initial 110 soldiers remained to assist
12558-401: The headwaters of the San Antonio River , in the area the Spanish had admired in 1707. Alarcón led a group of 72 people, including 10 families, into Texas on April 9, 1718. They brought with them 548 horses, 6 droves of mules, and other livestock. On May 1, the group created a temporary mud, brush and straw structure to serve as a mission, San Antonio de Valero , whose chapel
12696-520: The heart of America. The greater the delay the greater the difficulty of attainment.'" Having no idea where to find the French colony, the Spanish launched ten expeditions—both land and sea—over the next three years. While unable to fulfill their original goal of locating the French settlement, the expeditions did provide Spain a deeper understanding of the geography of the Gulf Coast region. The last expedition, in 1689, discovered
12834-576: The heart of Texas. Captain Luis Cazorla, the commander of the La Bahía presidio, recommended that Spain build a small fort on the barrier islands and provide a shallow-draft vessel to continually reconnoiter the coast. The fort would be both a deterrent to the more bloodthirsty tribes and to the English. The Spanish government, fearful of smuggling, declined to give permission for a port or a boat on
12972-471: The infighting, and the original settlers were given permission to serve as magistrates and council members. Spain discouraged manufacturing in its colonies and limited trade to Spanish goods handled by Spanish merchants and carried on Spanish vessels. Most of the ports, including all of those in Texas, were closed to commercial vessels in the hopes of dissuading smugglers. By law, all goods bound for Texas had to be shipped to Veracruz and then transported over
13110-608: The main village of the Nacogdoche tribe, at what is now Nacogdoches . A final mission, San José de los Nazonis , was built among the Nazoni Indians just north of present-day Cushing . A presidio, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores , was built opposite San Francisco de los Tejas. During this period, the area was named the New Philippines by the missionaries in the twin hopes of gaining royal patronage, and that
13248-416: The mission, killing eight people. The San Sabá mission was the only Spanish mission in Texas to be completely destroyed by Indians, and it was never rebuilt. Although the Indian force had 2000 members, they chose not to attack the fort. The Spanish government refused to abandon the area completely out of fear that such an action would make them appear weak. While they planned a response, Indians raided
13386-484: The mission. The Karankawa continued to cause difficulties for the Spanish, and in 1785 the interim commandant-general, Joseph Antonio Rengel, noted that they were unable to explore in the Matagorda Bay region as long as the Karankawa held it. Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches ( / ˈ n æ k ə t ə ʃ / NAK -ə-təsh ; French: Les Natchitoches , [le nakitɔʃ] ), officially
13524-427: The missions had relocated to San Antonio. In August 1768, the acting governor, Juan María Vicencio , Baron of Ripperdà, moved his headquarters and the garrison to San Antonio, and in 1772 San Antonio became the new Texas capital. Los Adaes was abandoned completely. The new governor also augmented the garrison at San Antonio to protect the town from recurring Indian attacks. A new presidio, Fuerte de Santa Cruz de Cibolo,
13662-410: The monks. Father Damián Massanet , the priest in charge of the mission, left on June 2 to meet the tribes north of the mission before returning to Mexico to request an additional 14 priests and 7 lay brothers. On January 23, 1691, Spain appointed the first governor of Texas, General Domingo Terán de los Ríos . Terán was ordered to help establish seven new missions, including two more among
13800-474: The mountains to Mexico City before being sent to Texas. This caused the goods to be very expensive in the Texas settlements. Settlers were often forced to turn to the French for supplies, as the fort at Natchitoches was well-stocked and goods did not have to travel as far. Without many goods to trade, however, the remaining Spanish missionaries and colonists had little to offer the Indians, who remained loyal to
13938-466: The mouth of the Guadalupe River . After finding the remains of an English commercial frigate , the soldiers warned the Karankawa to refrain from attacking seamen. The soldiers continued to explore the coast, and reported that foreign powers could easily build a small settlement on the barrier islands, which were difficult to access from the mainland, and then ascend the Trinity or San Jacinto Rivers into
14076-459: The nearest Spanish settlement, San Juan Bautista . It was difficult to reprovision the missions, and by 1718 the missionaries were in dire straits. Martín de Alarcón , who had been appointed governor of Texas in late 1716, wished to establish a way station between the settlements along the Rio Grande and the new missions in East Texas. The Coahuiltecans had built a thriving community near
14214-415: The new country and name Lafitte governor. Within weeks, 500 Spanish troops arrived in Texas and marched on Nacogdoches. Long and his men withdrew. Over 40 men were captured. Long escaped to Natchitoches, Louisiana . Others fled to Galveston and settled along Bolivar Peninsula . Long joined the refugees at Bolivar Peninsula on April 6, 1820, with more reinforcements. He continued to raise money to equip
14352-437: The number of workers needed, and many moved to cities for jobs. By the early 1970s, the town's businesses were declining, along with many area farms, and buildings were boarded up. In the mid-1970s, Mayor Bobby DeBlieux and other preservationists believed that attracting tourists to the area, based on its historic assets of nearly intact plantations and numerous historic buildings, could be a key to attracting visitors, reviving
14490-544: The only villa in Texas, and the colonists who settled there relied on farming and ranching to survive. With the new settlement established, Alarcón continued on to the East Texas missions, where he found evidence of much illicit trade with France. The following year, the War of the Quadruple Alliance broke out, aligning Spain against France, Great Britain, the Dutch Republic , and Austria . The war
14628-709: The plantations. They also cover the contributions of blacks and Creoles of color to the community. In April 2022, the city council added Juneteenth as an official city holiday. Since the late 20th century, Cane River Lake has served as the spring-break training location for numerous university crew teams, from universities such as the University of St. Thomas , Kansas State University , University of Kansas , Wichita State University , Murray State University , University of Central Oklahoma , and Washington University in St. Louis , as well as Northwestern State University . In
14766-470: The plaza at San Antonio . The Spanish also promised to provide military assistance to the Apache. The Lipan Apache had asked for missions several times, and in 1757 all property of the former San Gabriel missions, as well as the military garrison which briefly protected them, was transferred to new Mission Santa Cruz de San Sabá along the San Saba River northwest of San Antonio. A log stockade
14904-502: The potential converts at San Ildefonso had left. By 1755, the missions were transferred to a new location on the San Marcos River . The Apache were coming under increased pressure from the Comanche advancing from the north and sought peace with the Spanish. A peace was declared in August 1749, when a group of Apache chiefs and Spanish officials "symbolically [buried] the trouble between the two parties" by burying weapons in
15042-502: The presidio at San Antonio were favorable, but he was unimpressed with Presidio de los Tejas, whose 25 soldiers were guarding empty missions. The native population had refused to congregate into communities around the missions and refused baptism unless they were on the brink of death. Because the Indians were well-armed, the Franciscans were unable to compel them to join the missions. The frustrated missionaries finally petitioned
15180-465: The presidios. Texas was an unappealing prospect for most settlers, however, due to the armed nomadic tribes, high costs, and lack of precious metals. In 1731, the Spanish government resettled 55 people, mostly women and children, from the Canary Islands to San Antonio. At that time, only 300 Hispanic settlers lived in San Antonio, with 200 others dispersed throughout the rest of
15318-458: The priests had died, leaving two to operate the missions. The Indians regularly stole their cattle and horses and were becoming insolent. With provisions running low, Terán chose not to establish any more missions. When he left Texas later that year, most of the missionaries chose to return with him, leaving only 3 religious people and 9 soldiers at the missions. The group also left a smallpox epidemic. The Indians had no natural immunity to
15456-411: The revolutionaries fighting within Mexico. For the first nine years of the revolt, ownership of Texas was contested. The United States claimed that the Louisiana Purchase included all of Texas, while Spain believed the boundary rested at the Red River , leaving Texas under Spanish control. The Texans later had a revolt which led to their independence. In early 1819, Spain and the United States signed
15594-487: The river during the war, including Magnolia and Oakland. Radford Blunt published the Natchitoches Republican . He was also a candidate for the state legislature. William H. Tunnard edited the paper. As the parish seat, Natchitoches suffered from the decline in agricultural population through the mid-20th century, and grew at a markedly lower rate after 1960. The mechanization of agriculture had reduced
15732-776: The settlers founded the town of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Bucareli "where the trail from San Antonio to Los Adaes crossed the Trinity." The settlers helped smuggle contraband goods from Louisiana to San Antonio, and also helped the soldiers with coastal reconnaissance. In May 1776, King Carlos III created a new position, the Commandancy General of the Internal Provinces of the North ( Provincias Internas ), to control frontier areas across northern New Spain , including Spanish Texas. The first appointee, Teodoro de Croix , served as governor and commander-in-chief of
15870-428: The spring of 2018, LSU, Alabama, Texas and Georgia were also represented. Tourists interested in sports often visit in this period to watch the sports teams. Over the years, the city and parish have improved conditions with a riverbank stabilization project and a water pump project to improve water levels in the lake. This directs water from Hampton Lake into Bayou Possiant, which feeds Cane River Lake. According to
16008-403: The terrain, rivers, and coastline of Texas and convinced the government that "even the most tractable of Indians" could only be converted "by a combination of coercion and persuasion". For the next 20 years, Spain again ignored Texas. During the early eighteenth century, France again provided the impetus for Spain's interest in Texas. In 1699, French forts were established at Biloxi Bay and on
16146-408: The town, and stimulating new businesses. Over the years, he worked with a variety of landowners and local people to gain support for designating a historic district in the city. He also supported making a national park out of the working area of Magnolia Plantation , which had many surviving outbuildings from the 19th century, and from Oakland Plantation , both downriver in the parish. By the end of
16284-412: The valley. Forty-one Spanish troops and their small cannon ambushed the northern tribes as they returned to East Texas. Before the Spanish were forced to retreat, over 200 Indians and 12 Spanish soldiers died. After the battle, the Apache refused to return to the mission and returned to raiding near San Antonio. Raids by the northern tribes decreased, however. The first recorded contact between
16422-442: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50, and the average family size was 3.18. In the city, the age distribution was 23.6% under the age of 18, 27.2% from 18 to 24, 21.8% from 25 to 44, 16.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males. The median income for
16560-571: Was a colonial province within the northeastern mainland region of the Viceroyalty of New Spain . On its southern edge, Tejas was bordered by the provinces of Coahuila and Nuevo Santander . The boundary between the provinces was set at the line formed by the Medina River and the Nueces River , 100 miles (161 km) northeast of the Rio Grande . On the east, Texas bordered La Louisiane ( French Louisiana ). Although Spain claimed that
16698-455: Was also established 40 miles (64 km) southeast of San Antonio to protect farmers and ranchers from attacks. As a result of Rubí's recommendations, Presidio de San Agustín de Ahumada was closed in 1771, leaving the Texas coast unoccupied except for La Bahía. In July 1772, however, the governor of Texas heard rumors that English traders were building a settlement in the area of the Texas coast that had been abandoned. The commander of La Bahía
16836-466: Was begging the government for help in negotiating a peace with the tribes. The threat of Apache raids led to a constant state of unease in San Antonio, and some families left the area, while others refused to leave the safety of the town to tend their livestock. The problems culminated with a late-night raid on San Antonio by 350 Apache on June 30, 1745, retaliation for a Spanish military campaign several months before. The attackers were repelled with
16974-505: Was constructed three miles (4.8 km) from the mission, on the other side of the river, so that the soldiers would not corrupt the Indians. The stockade could hold up to 400 including the 237 women and children who accompanied the soldiers. Apaches shunned the mission, and on March 16, 1758, a band of Comanche , Tonkawa , and Hasinai warriors, angry that the Spaniards were assisting their Apache enemies, pillaged and burned
17112-719: Was defeated by Spanish troops, captured and sent to Mexico City where he was killed by a guard. Beginning in 1810, Spanish territories in North and South America began to revolt . In particular, the Mexican War of Independence made it difficult for Spain to adequately protect its more remote territories such as Texas. Lured by the promise of free land and potential wealth, many men from the United States joined expeditions to try to take Texas from Spain. The expeditions were largely planned in New Orleans and variously wished to establish an independent republic in Texas or assist
17250-526: Was finally ceding its claim to Texas. At the Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, Great Britain recognized Spain's right to the lands west of the Mississippi. Great Britain received the remainder of France's North American territories, and Spain exchanged some of their holdings in Florida for Havana. With France no longer a threat to Spain's North American interests, the Spanish monarchy commissioned
17388-515: Was fought primarily over Italy, but Great Britain and France launched several attempts to capture Spanish colonies in North America. In June 1719, 7 Frenchmen from Natchitoches took control of Mission San Miguel de los Adaes from its sole defender, who did not know that the countries were at war. The French soldiers explained that 100 additional soldiers were coming, and the Spanish colonists, missionaries, and remaining soldiers abandoned
17526-412: Was founded as a French outpost on the Red River for trade with Spanish-controlled Mexico ; French traders settled there as early as 1699. The post was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians , after whom the city was named. Early settlers were French Catholic immigrants and creoles (originally meaning those ethnic French born in the colony). French creoles acquired lands that were developed in
17664-468: Was later known as the Alamo . The mission was initially populated with three to five Indians that one of the missionaries had raised since childhood. Alarcon built a presidio, San Antonio de Béxar one mile (1.6 km) north of the mission,. Alarcón also chartered the municipality of Béjar, now San Antonio . Given a status higher than a village ( pueblo ) but lower than a city ( ciudad ), San Antonio became
17802-573: Was left in the river's previous location which became known as Cane River Lake . During the Civil War , Natchitoches was set on fire by Union soldiers who retreated through the town after their failed attempt to capture Shreveport . Confederate cavalry pursued the fleeing soldiers and arrived in time to help extinguish the flames before the town was destroyed. Alexandria was destroyed by Union troops in 1864, but both Union and Confederate troops were responsible for severely damaging plantations along
17940-584: Was moved from the Neches River to a site near mission Purísima Concepción near the Angelina River . The Spaniards then built another fort, Presidio La Bahía del Espíritu Santo , known as La Bahía, on the site of the former French Fort St. Louis. Nearby they established a mission, Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga (also known as La Bahía), for the Coco, Karankawa, and Cujane Indians. Ninety men were left at
18078-456: Was on the far frontier of Spanish colonial ambitions. Despite the meager nature of Spanish colonization, Hispanic influence in Texas is extensive. Spanish architectural concepts still flourish. Many cities and rivers in Texas were named by the Spanish and many counties in southern and western Texas have majority Hispanic populations. The inadvertent introduction of European diseases by the Spanish caused Native American populations to plummet, leaving
18216-400: Was one of the interior provinces of the colonial Viceroyalty of New Spain from 1519 until 1821. Spain claimed ownership of the region in 1519. Slave raids by Spaniards into what became Texas began in the 16th century and created an atmosphere of antagonism with Native Americans (Indians) which would cause endless difficulties for the Spanish in the future. Spain did not attempt to establish
18354-416: Was only about 300 and all of Texas about 500 and the Apache killed an average of 3 Spaniards each year and stole approximately 100 animals from the beleaguered colony. In retaliation, the Spanish launched multiple attacks on the Apaches, capturing horses and mules, hides and other plunder, and taking Apache captives, whom the Spanish used as household slaves. By 1731, however, the San Antonio garrison
18492-464: Was ordered to cut costs accrued for the defense of the northern part of the territory. Acuña appointed Colonel Pedro de Rivera y Villalón to inspect the entire northern frontier. Beginning in what is now California in November 1724, Rivera spent the next three years inspecting the northern frontier, reaching San Antonio in August 1727. His reports of Los Adaes, Presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto , and
18630-593: Was reestablished as Mission Nuestro Padre San Francisco de los Tejas for the Neche Indians . Several days later, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción was established at the main village of the Hainai, the head tribe of the Hasinai Confederacy, along the Angelina River . A third mission, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe , was established 15 miles (24 km) east of Purísima Concepción, at
18768-505: Was sent to find the settlement, but saw no sign of other Europeans. His expedition did, however, trace the San Jacinto River to its mouth where it emptied into Galveston Bay . The 500 Hispanic settlers who had lived near Los Adaes had to resettle in San Antonio in 1773. In the six years between the inspection and the removal of the settlers, the immigrant population of East Texas had increased from 200 Europeans to 500,
18906-399: Was under orders to turn Louisiana into a profitable colony and believed that Spanish settlers closer to Louisiana could provide new trading opportunities. He sent Louis Juchereau de St. Denis , along with brothers Pierre and Robert Talon , who, as children, had been spared at the massacre of Fort Saint Louis , to find Hidalgo and offer assistance. In July 1714, the French delegation reached
19044-400: Was unimpressed with the presidio at San Saba, which he declared to be the worst in the kingdom of New Spain. He recommended that only the presidios at San Antonio and La Bahía be maintained, and that East Texas be totally abandoned, with all population moving to San Antonio. With Louisiana in Spanish control, there was no need for Los Adaes to reside so closely to Natchitoches, especially after
#210789