Texas

The first European to arrive in Texas was Spanish conquistador Alonso Álvarez de Pineda. France, Spain and Mexico have all laid claim to Texas at one point or another. However, in 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas. The most famous battle of the fight for independence was the stand at the Alamo. Although tragic, the sacrifice allowed the main army of Texas time enough to gather their strength and defeat the formidable Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna. Nine years later Texas agreed to be annexed by the United States and became the 28th state of the Union. Texas, especially the eastern part, is considered part of the South, and like the rest of the coastal South, was once home to slave plantations, most of which grew cotton. The northern and western regions were more typical to the Old West, with small groups of settlers pursuing livestock ranching and mineral prospecting. In the American Civil War Texas joined the Confederacy, which was defeated by the Union. While Texas took little harm from the war, the following years were marked by clashes between white veterans, freed blacks, and outlaws. In the following decades, Texas prospered from ranching and an emerging oil industry. Like other southern states, Texas passed Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, many brutal lynchings took place....