Texas History

🤠Texas History Unit 4 – Late 19th Century Texas

Late 19th century Texas saw major changes after the Civil War. Reconstruction, cattle drives, and the rise of cowboy culture shaped the state's identity, while political shifts and economic developments transformed its landscape. The oil boom, beginning with Spindletop in 1901, revolutionized Texas's economy. Meanwhile, social and cultural changes, including segregation and immigration, set the stage for future civil rights movements and demographic shifts.

Key Events and Timeline

  • Reconstruction in Texas (1865-1874) aimed to rebuild the state and reintegrate it into the Union following the Civil War
    • Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) marked the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves
    • Texas was readmitted to the Union in 1870 after ratifying the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
  • Cattle drives and the rise of the cowboy culture (1866-1890s) became iconic symbols of Texas
    • Chisholm Trail (1867) and Goodnight-Loving Trail (1866) were major routes for driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas
  • Fence Cutting Wars (1883-1884) erupted as a conflict between farmers and ranchers over land use and property rights
  • Spindletop oil discovery (1901) near Beaumont triggered the Texas oil boom and transformed the state's economy

Political Landscape

  • Reconstruction governments in Texas were marked by corruption and political instability
    • Edmund J. Davis, a Radical Republican, served as governor from 1870 to 1874
    • Democrats regained control of the state government in 1874, ushering in the "Redeemer" period
  • Populist movement gained traction in the 1890s, advocating for farmers' rights and economic reforms
    • James S. Hogg, a progressive Democrat, served as governor from 1891 to 1895 and implemented anti-monopoly and pro-labor policies
  • Disfranchisement of African Americans through poll taxes, literacy tests, and white primaries limited their political participation

Economic Developments

  • Agriculture remained a key component of the Texas economy, with cotton, corn, and wheat as major crops
    • Sharecropping and tenant farming systems emerged after the Civil War, perpetuating economic inequality
  • Cattle industry boomed in the late 19th century, with Texas becoming a major supplier of beef to the nation
    • Introduction of barbed wire (1874) and windmills helped ranchers manage their herds and access water
  • Lumber industry grew in East Texas, with the longleaf pine forests attracting timber companies
  • Oil discovery at Spindletop (1901) marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom, attracting investments and industries

Social and Cultural Changes

  • Segregation and racial discrimination were entrenched in Texas society through Jim Crow laws
    • Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) Supreme Court decision upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine
  • Cowboy culture and cattle drives contributed to the mythologizing of the American West
    • Trail drives, roundups, and cattle towns like Abilene and Dodge City became iconic images
  • Education expanded with the establishment of public schools and universities
    • University of Texas at Austin founded in 1883
    • Prairie View A&M University, a historically black university, founded in 1876
  • Women's roles began to change, with increased participation in education and reform movements
    • Women's clubs and organizations advocated for social and political reforms

Immigration and Demographics

  • German, Czech, and Polish immigrants settled in Central Texas, establishing farming communities
    • New Braunfels (1845) and Fredericksburg (1846) were founded by German immigrants
  • Mexican Americans faced discrimination and loss of land following the Texas Revolution and Mexican-American War
    • Tejanos fought to maintain their land grants and cultural identity
  • African American population increased during the Great Migration (1910s-1930s), as many moved from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities

Technological Advancements

  • Railroads expanded rapidly in the late 19th century, connecting Texas cities and facilitating trade
    • Houston and Texas Central Railway (1856) and Texas and Pacific Railway (1871) were major lines
  • Barbed wire, invented by Joseph Glidden in 1874, revolutionized fencing and land management in Texas
    • Allowed ranchers to control their herds and protect their land from encroachment
  • Windmills, such as the American Wind Engine Company's "Railroad Mills," provided water for livestock and irrigation
  • Telegraph lines and telephone service improved communication across the state

Notable Figures

  • Sam Houston, hero of the Texas Revolution and first president of the Republic of Texas, served as governor and U.S. Senator
  • Juan Seguín, Tejano leader who fought in the Texas Revolution and served in the Republic of Texas government
  • Richard King and Mifflin Kenedy, ranchers who established the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world
  • Quanah Parker, Comanche chief who led resistance against white settlement and later adapted to reservation life
    • Advocated for Native American rights and cultural preservation
  • James Stephen Hogg, progressive governor who fought against corporate monopolies and supported public education

Legacy and Impact

  • Texas' frontier history and cowboy culture have become iconic symbols of the American West
    • Popularized through literature, art, and film (e.g., Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove")
  • Oil industry has shaped Texas' economy and politics, making it a major player in the global energy market
  • Civil rights movements in the 20th century challenged segregation and discrimination, leading to social and political changes
    • Sweatt v. Painter (1950) and Hernandez v. Texas (1954) were landmark Supreme Court cases
  • Texas has become known for its diverse population, with significant African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities
    • Reflects the state's complex history of immigration, settlement, and cultural exchange


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.