ABSTRACT
The customs and values of the Old South dominated pioneer institutions in some areas of the state, but the diverse culture of antebellum Texas reflected the influence of people from many parts of the world. Towns in antebellum Texas were few and small, but urban slavery expanded as Texas towns grew. German immigrants initially concentrated their numbers on farms and ranches in the hill country of Central Texas, but by 1860, one-fifth of population of Houston, Galveston, and San Antonio were Germans. Religion was a major influence in early Texas society. Catholic clergy were involved from time of earliest of Spanish activities; itinerant Protestant preachers began their work during the period of Mexican rule, but it was not until after Texas had its independence that a well-organized Protestant missionary program was launched. The church people brought with them to Texas practices that had been developed in the United States and tried for a century-protracted meetings, basket meetings, and camp meetings.
