Welcome to Spanish Texas

Before Texas was a state, before it won its independence, even before it was a Mexican territory, it was the new Spanish frontier. As lush as it was dangerous, Texas was already home to several peoples before the Spaniards decided it was theirs. Colonizing this land meant dealing with the native population one way or another; this is where the missions came into play.

Spanish Missions served many purposes. They were used to convert local peoples to Christianity, establish trade, and protect Spain’s interests on the frontier. While many were unsuccessful, others left lasting legacies and helped shape the communities of modern Texas.

Today, remnants of this Spanish colonization can still be found scattered across the state. With this map and checklist, I hope to inspire others to research and explore our state’s often-forgotten history and origins.

—Christopher C. Castillo, Designer and Aspiring Amateur Historian