The challenge to obtain land
In San Antonio, the Spanish Governer, Antonio Maria Martinez acknowledged him as his father's successor, but Mexico did not feel the same way. Due to the some complications with the Mexican independent government, his grant was not approved. With a trip to Mexico City in January of 1823, Austin soon gained approval for a league and labor (totaling 4,605 acres) for each head of the family.
At the age of 27, Austin was well on his way to becoming one of the most cherished and recognized symbols of Texas strength. With determination and will power, Stephen F. Austin secured the contracts needed to settle 300 families in Spanish Texas. He decided on the land between the Brazos and Colorado River, south of the El Camino, which now consists of 19 different counties.
Stephen F. Austin received the title of "Empresario," which was the title given to those who promoted immigration. With every 200 families he introduced, he would receive 67,000 acers of land. Over time he settled 900 families with a total of 3 contracts in 1825, 1827, and 1828. He also settled 800 families with a partnership agreement with Samuel Williams.
At the age of 27, Austin was well on his way to becoming one of the most cherished and recognized symbols of Texas strength. With determination and will power, Stephen F. Austin secured the contracts needed to settle 300 families in Spanish Texas. He decided on the land between the Brazos and Colorado River, south of the El Camino, which now consists of 19 different counties.
Stephen F. Austin received the title of "Empresario," which was the title given to those who promoted immigration. With every 200 families he introduced, he would receive 67,000 acers of land. Over time he settled 900 families with a total of 3 contracts in 1825, 1827, and 1828. He also settled 800 families with a partnership agreement with Samuel Williams.
Promises made
Stephen F. Austin was successful in obtaining families to settle in Texas, by advertising low rates. He offered land for 12 1/2 cents per acre, which was extremely low durring that time period. It was actually, one tenth of the cost of the rest of the land offerend in the United States. It was seen as the 1st legal settlement in Texas and the flood of American immigrants willing to take a chance was not expected. It was considered to be the "most sucessful colonization movement in American History."