Texians facts for kids
Texians were early settlers in Texas. They lived in Texas when it was part of Mexico (called Mexican Texas) and later when it was its own country, the Republic of Texas.
Today, we use "Texian" to talk about the first people who settled in Texas. This especially includes those who helped in the Texas Revolution. Mexican people who lived in Texas at that time are called Tejanos. People who live in Texas today are known as Texans.
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Understanding Early Texas Settlers
Who Were the Texians?
Many different groups of people moved to Texas over hundreds of years. In the 1600s, people came from Spain. In the 1700s, settlers arrived from France and England.
In the 1800s, before Texas became independent, many more people arrived. These included large groups from Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. At this time, "Texian" meant any person living in Texas, no matter their background.
The Texian Army and the Texas Revolution
From 1834 to 1836, the Texian Army was formed. This army fought in the Texas Revolution. The goal was to gain independence from Mexico. Mexico itself had become independent from Spain just a few years earlier.
The Texian Army was made up of many different people. It included Tejanos (Mexican Texans) who volunteered. There were also volunteers from the southern parts of the United States. People from countries like England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland also joined.
When you hear "Texian Army" or "Texian forces," it means all the people in Texas who fought in the revolution. They came from many different places but united for Texas independence.
The Republic of Texas Era
Texians in the New Republic (1836-1846)
After Texas won its independence, it became the Republic of Texas. During this time, "Texian" was a common word. People living in the Republic used it to describe themselves.
Early leaders, like President Mirabeau B. Lamar, often used the term. They wanted to build a strong sense of Texas pride. Using "Texian" helped create a shared identity for everyone in the new country.
From Texian to Texan
Over time, more and more English-speaking Americans moved to Texas. They preferred to use the word "Texan" instead of "Texian." Because so many Americans moved in, "Texan" became the more common term after 1850.
Some people, like those who wrote the Texas Almanac in 1857, were sad about this change. They felt "Texian" sounded better. Even so, "Texan" became the standard word. Many who lived through the revolution still called themselves Texians well into the 1900s.
Texian Armed Forces
