ABSTRACT
Sailing for Spain, in October 1492, Christopher Columbus and the crew of his three small ships sighted land, an island in the Bahamas off the coast of Florida. The economy of the civilian population of Spanish Texas was based on the land. The ranching industry developed during these years, even though great haciendas found in other parts of the empire were not established in the province. Despite the importance of ranching, most people were farmers, growing products to be consumed on the farm or in the local area. Religious and educational opportunities were limited and simple. Possibly causing more concern than education were problems related to health and law and order. The behaviour and social activities of the people were carefully regulated. The civilian population of Texas nevertheless played a major role in making the hold of Spain more secure.
