Spanish Texas, 1519-1821 /

Chipman's impressive examination of Spanish Texas begins with a review of the land and its native inhabitants, proceeds chronologically with early explorations and settlements, and ends with Texas's passage from Spanish to Mexican rule. An enlightening discussion of the varied legacies of the Spanish experience concludes this well-researched study. Chipman pays particular attention to the establishment of missions and garrisons and their checkered histories. He places the efforts to colonize Texas within a broad historical context that includes salient developments in Mexico and Spain's rivalry with France and England. Although Spanish Texas had fewer than 4,000 settlers, the region served as an important buffer against foreign expansion. Chipman carefully considers attempts to colonize East and West Texas, noting the different pressures on each region. His narrative favors political and institutional developments, but also addresses ranching, farming, trade, and social change over time. Clearly written and well illustrated, the study draws on both a broad range of secondary materials and archival primary sources. The best one-volume treatment of Spanish Texas available, this book should be in all college and university libraries. General; advanced undergraduate; graduate; faculty.