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Moses Austin
L38.12.648
Donated by Dr. William E. Howard
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In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain, and assumed the responsibility of colonizing the Texas region. Unable to secure the land with Mexican citizens, the government turned to the United States. Moses Austin was awarded a land grant from the Mexican government, and was entitled an Impresario. His task was to settle 300 families in his colony. After his death, his son Stephen F. Austin fulfilled his fathers contract by settling the colony with 300 families from the United States. The "Old 300" were the first permanent Anglo-American settlers in Texas. Other impresarios would receive land grants, and soon thousands of Americans had immigrated to Texas.
According to the Mexican Constitution of 1824, these settlers were granted land, allowed to own slaves, and were to be free of taxes for seven years. The only requirements were that they become Mexican citizens, practice the Roman Catholic religion, and secure Texas for the Mexican government. Austin became the leading spokesperson for the "Texians" for all affairs with Mexico. Texas was a part of the territory known as Coahuila y Tejas. Many times Austin petitioned the government for separate statehood for Texas, all to no avail.
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