Texas was under the rule of Spain from 1591 to 1821. Although the rule ended, the Spanish legacy has lasted throughout Texas’ history. The first example of the legacy of the Spanish Texas is the language. Spanish is still spoken in Texas today and you will find their influence in street names, buildings, and other various locations with Spanish names.

Source: Santa Elena Canyon, eclectico63, Wikimedia

Source: Northwest Escarpment Llano Estacado 2003, Leaflet, Wikimedia

Source: Old Map Laredo 1892, Kelson, Wikimedia

Source: cows2-he14, Texas Beyond History, University of Texas at Austin

Source: Cotbolclose, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you learned about the reasons for Spanish exploration of Texas. There were three main reasons: gold, glory, and god. The Spanish came to Texas on their quest for gold in North America. The Spanish also worked toward claiming territory for the glory of Spain. The establishment of Spanish missions was mainly for the purpose of converting the Texas Indians to Christianity.

To review what you have learned, read the following statements that appear and determine which reason for exploration it matches. Click on the correct reason.