From Tejas to to Texas

TEXAS THROUGH THE YEARS

1521–1821 part of New Spain

1821–1824 part of the Mexican Empire

1824–1836 part of United Mexican States/Republic of Mexico

1836–1845 Republic of Texas

1845–1861 U.S. state

1861–1865 Confederate state

1870–present Restored to Union as U.S. state

The republic of Mexico—newly independent from Spain—faced some big problems in the early 1820s. Among them was not having enough people, especially on its northern frontier. Mexico needed people to establish settlements and to develop the land. Where to get them was the question.

One answer was from its northern neighbor. In the three decades since