Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Tejanos and Texas in the U.S.

1848-1920

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2022

1. Tejanos and Texas in the U.S. Marker

Inscription. After 1848, when all of Texas became part of the United States, most Tejanos adjusted to the new American laws and to the new economy. At times, change came too fast for Tejanos resulting in injustice and violence, and many experienced the loss of their lands. Rebellions broke out that attempted to right those wrongs. Many others adapted, and some even prospered in the new political and economic system, particularly in South Texas. In the 1850s, Mexican Americans shared their ranching life and culture of vaqueros (the first cowboys) with Anglo settlers. While some of the original Tejano residents in cities such as Brownsville, Laredo, and San Antonio became merchants and leaders in local political organizations, many Mexican-Americans arriving from Mexico became laborers in the new economic system. Many of these new arrivals assumed identities as Tejanos. They participated in important national events, including the Civil War (1861-1865) in which Tejanos were recruited by the Union as well as the Confederacy. Many Tejanos fought honorably in the Spanish-American War and in World War I.

Erected 2012 by Tejano Monument Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 30° 16.378′ N, 97° 44.419′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It can be reached from the intersection of East 11th Street and Congress Avenue. The marker is located in the southeast section of the Texas State Capitol grounds by the south entrance gate on the Tejano Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East 11th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tejanos in the Republic of Texas (here, next to this marker); Mexican Americans in 20th Century America (here, next to this marker); Tejanos Under the Mexican Flag (here, next to this marker); Spanish Tejanos (here, next to this marker); Bicentennial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Confederacy Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Highway Department (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Texas State Capitol (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . History of Mexican Americans.

The Tejanos and Texas in the U.S. Marker is the 2nd marker from the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2022

2. The Tejanos and Texas in the U.S. Marker is the 2nd marker from the right

Wikipedia

Mexican American history, or the history of American residents of Mexican descent, largely begins after the annexation of Northern Mexico in 1848, when the nearly 80,000 Mexican citizens of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico became U.S. citizens. Large-scale migration increased the U.S.’ Mexican population during the 1910s, as refugees fled the economic devastation and violence of Mexico’s high-casualty revolution and civil war. Until the mid-20th century, most Mexican Americans lived within a few hundred miles of the border, although some resettled along rail lines from the Southwest into the Midwest.

(Submitted on September 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Additional keywords. Injustice, Violence, Vaqueros

Closeup of the Tejano Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2022

3. Closeup of the Tejano Monument

The view of the Tejanos and Texas in the U.S. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 30, 2022

4. The view of the Tejanos and Texas in the U.S. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.