Unit 7: Pioneer Life Key Concepts: Population

Growth, Primary Occupations, Advances in Commerce and Transportation

The Impact Today: Settlement patterns begun in the day of the Republic and Early Statehood period can be seen today in the regions of Texas. The German influence in the Hill Country and the “Old South” culture of East Texas both emerged during this period.

Immigrant Agents 1836-1846: population

tripled Homestead Act (1839)

protected a family’s home, tools, and land from seizure for not paying debts

Immigrant agents settled families from Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and European colonists from France, Switzerland, Germany

German Emigration Company The German

Emigration Company settled about 7,000 German immigrants

Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and John O. Meusebach established several towns such as New Braunfels and Fredericksburg

Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels

Slavery Continues in Texas Mid-1840s – Slaves

were 30% of population Worked on farms and

plantations or as skilled laborers

Rebelled by withholding cooperation, breaking tools, feigning illness, or running away

Free African Americans petitioned to remain free, but most were denied

Primary Occupations Most Texans farmed

or ranched (raised cattle)Corn and Cotton

grownWild cattle roamed

South and East Texas

New immigrants formed new towns

Future Farmer?

Trade and Professions More people into

Texas meant more skilled professionals with multiple jobs….they farmed or ranched and were…• Doctors• Lawyers• Ministers• Salesman• Midwives

Industry & Commerce Industries built near

major roads or rivers Over time Texans built

sawmills, tanneries, brickyards, factories, etc.

Creative leaders like Gail Borden, Jr. promoted small business• Invented meat biscuit• Developed process for

making condensed milkGail Borden, Jr.

Transportation & Media Most goods transported

by mule/oxen drawn freight wagons

Stagecoach was popular but expensive

Steamboat travel was limited b/c of crooked rivers to navigate

Railroads supported financially by state

Telegraph lines and newspapers provided current information

Recreation, Education, and Religion Grows

Dancing and hispanic “Fiestas” popularized

1854: Governor Elisha M. Pease set aside $2 million as permanent school fund

Religious diversity grew• Methodists – most gains• Baptists• Presbyterians• Jewish• Catholic

Elisha M. Pease

Immigration Fuels Population Growth Annexation, lure of

cheap land, legalized slavery attracted settlers

Mexicans, Americans, and Germans were largest ethnic groups

Other European arrivals• Ireland• England• France• Poland• Czechoslovakia• Norway