Source: Shape of Texas Class Photo, Texes Exes, Alcade

Texas is a state with a colorful history and rich cultural landscape. Native Texans may have German, American-Indian, African, or Spanish ancestral roots. Some Texans may be new immigrants from Asia, Africa, or Australia. Many Texans, both native and immigrant, may have Mexican ancestry.

Much like the photo above, Texas is made up of a diverse group of people. In this lesson, you will examine reasons why various immigrant groups came to Texas. You will also learn about the areas in which they settled.

The earliest inhabitants of Texas were the various groups of American Indians. The map below illustrates where the Texas Plains Indians were located in the early 19th century.

Source: Indiansmap, Texas Beyond History

Not only were American Indians the first to inhabit Texas, they were also the first migrants of Texas. Many of the first Texans were nomadic, so moving from place to place to find food was common. Other people came to Texas throughout the state’s history by way of immigration and migration.

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Conflict with Anglo-American settlers in the 1800s led to a change in the habits of American-Indian groups. Some of the groups were forced out of Texas, while others eventually lost land they had claimed for generations. Many American Indians were forced to settle in various locations throughout Texas.