After Spanish explorers claimed territory in Texas, the area was then opened for the Spanish to colonize there. Following the establishment of missions, the Spanish established presidios. Ranchos (ranches) were also established to solidify Spanish settlement in the area.

In order to secure Spanish colonies in Texas, there are four important individuals who made colonization possible. Some of these individuals were connected to the Spanish missions while others were responsible for creating some of the most important towns and cities in Texas.

Click on the images below to learn more about these individuals.

Jose De Escandon	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Served as a military commander Colonized Nuevo Santander (along the Guadalupe River) and became its first governor Founded over 20 towns in Texas Issued land grants to the Spanish government in South Texas Moved LaBahia Presidio to Goliad
Antonio Margil De Jesus	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Arrived in East Texas in 1717 Helped found Nuestra Senor de Guadalupe Founded San José y San Miguel de Aguayo in San Antonio (considered the most successful mission in Texas)
Fray Damian Massanet	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Accompanied Governor Alonso De Leon in the search for Fort St. Louis, the French outpost in Texas, in 1689 Founded the first Spanish mission, San Francisco de los Tejas, in East Texas in 1690 Left the mission after criticizing the Spanish government for the size of the military at the mission Returned to the mission in 1691, but once again had conflict with the Spanish government Destroyed the mission after it was flooded and the East Texas missions failed
Father Francisco Hidalgo	Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Arrived to San Francisco de los Tejas Mission in East Texas in 1691 Remained in East Texas until the missions failed Sent letter in 1714 to the French government to request help to reestablish the missions in East Texas Prompted by his letter, the French sent more explorers, which led to permanent European settlement in Texas