Monthly Archives: July 2019

(Continued from last week) Filibuster Noun An irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution. The term filibuster derived from the old English word “freebooter,” by … Continue reading →

(Continued from last week) The Neutral Zone (also called the Neutral Ground) became a large area where neither Spain or the United States exercised any jurisdiction or control.  Within a short time, the zone became a sanctuary for the worst … Continue reading →

(Continued from Last Week) In 1806, the only towns in Texas were San Antonio (about 2,000 inhabitants), Goliad (1,400 people), and Nacogdoches (nearly 500 residents).  Despite the dangers that constantly threatened them, several American families with good reputations settled near … Continue reading →

(Continued from last week) In sixty years, the population of San Antonio de Béxar grew to around 1,700 people; only 400 of these were Spanish (loosely interpreted) with the rest being mestizos, Indians, and mulattos [1] (in Spanish, Culebras).  Mulattos … Continue reading →

In 1718, the Spaniards situated their new mission midway between the East Texas presidios and the “way-station” mission at San Antonio de Valero near the San Antonio River —150 miles northeast of Coahuila. This was Tonkawa territory [1].  At first, the … Continue reading →