“Gone to Texas!” During the 19th century, this was a phrase that was painted on homes and fences of those who immigrated to Texas. Americans were moving westward, and Texas was the first choice for many who were leaving the United States. So what was the attraction? Why did people want to move to Texas?

Immigration to Texas increased during the Mexican National Era and the Republic of Texas. During both eras, the government encouraged American immigration to Texas in order to increase the population and help protect the borders. Due to lenient slave laws during this time, slaveholders, mainly southerners, immigrated to Texas where the combination of available farmland and great economic opportunities attracted them to the state.

After being admitted into the United States in 1845, Texas continued to be the leading state for immigration and migration in the United States. The population quickly rose as more people immigrated to Texas during the 19th century. According to the U.S. Census, there were 1,591,749 people in Texas in 1880, and by 1890, there were 2,235,527 people. The population rose to just over 3 million people by the beginning of the 20th century.

Why did the population rise so quickly? Click on the images below to learn more.

In this lesson, you will examine the impact of immigration and migration in Texas throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. You will also examine the impact of changing populations of Texas over time.