Fort Tenoxtitlán facts for kids
Fort Tenoxtitlán was a special fort built by Mexico in 1830. It was located in an area that later became Burleson County, Texas. The fort's name means "prickly pear place." It was inspired by the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.
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What Was Fort Tenoxtitlán?
Fort Tenoxtitlán was a military outpost. It was built to help Mexico control its northern lands. The fort was meant to stop people from the United States from moving into Texas without permission.
Why Was the Fort Built?
Mexico built Fort Tenoxtitlán because it was worried about too many people from the United States settling in Texas. These settlers, often called "Anglos," were moving into Mexican territory. Mexico wanted to keep its land and its rules.
The Law of April 6, 1830
The building of Fort Tenoxtitlán was part of a bigger plan called the Law of April 6, 1830. This law was created to stop more people from the United States from moving to Texas. It also aimed to encourage Mexican families to settle there instead.
Who Built the Fort?
Mexican General Manuel de Mier y Terán was in charge of the effort. He sent José Francisco Ruiz and his soldiers, known as the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras, to build the fort. They started building it on October 17, 1830, on the west side of the Brazos River.
Why Did the Fort Fail?
Even with the new fort and laws, Mexico's plan to stop Anglo immigration didn't work very well. Many settlers still found ways to move into Texas.
Stephen F. Austin's Role
One important reason for the fort's failure was Stephen F. Austin. He was a leader of American settlers in Texas. Austin talked directly to the Mexican President, Anastasio Bustamante. He managed to get special permission, called "exemptions," for his own colony and another one led by Green DeWitt. This meant their settlers could still come to Texas, even with the new laws.
The End of Fort Tenoxtitlán
Because the fort wasn't stopping immigration, José Francisco Ruiz and his soldiers left Fort Tenoxtitlán on July 13. The fort's location was once considered as a possible capital for the new Republic of Texas, competing with Austin. However, the fort was completely abandoned in 1841.
