Who Were the First Settlers in Texas?
The first recorded settlers in what is now Texas, specifically establishing the first European settlement, were a group of exiled Spaniards and Native Americans from the Pueblo of Isleta.
The Earliest European Settlement
This initial European settlement was founded in 1681 in the aftermath of the Pueblo Revolt that occurred in Santa Fe de Nuevo México (the northern part of present-day New Mexico). These settlers, displaced from their original homes, established their community along the upper Rio Grande river, in an area near modern-day El Paso.
This event marks a significant point in the documented history of Texas, representing the earliest European attempt at permanent habitation within its modern borders. The settlement provided a refuge for those exiled and established a European presence that would eventually grow across the region.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements of this early settlement:
- Year Established: 1681
- Location: Along the upper Rio Grande river, near modern El Paso.
- Settler Groups:
- Exiled Spaniards
- Native Americans from the Pueblo of Isleta
- Origin: Santa Fe de Nuevo México (present-day northern New Mexico)
- Context: Aftermath of the Pueblo Revolt
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1681 |
| Location | Upper Rio Grande river, near modern El Paso |
| Settler Demographics | Exiled Spaniards and Isleta Pueblo Native Americans |
| Reason for Settlement | Exile following the Pueblo Revolt in Santa Fe de Nuevo México |
This settlement laid the groundwork for future European expansion and interaction in the vast territory that would eventually become Texas.
