TEXAS IN 1776: Saturday, July 4

  A special program exploring Texas history 250 years ago, when the United States was forming this area was part of New Spain, is scheduled on Saturday, July 4.

  Pioneer Farms Board of Governors member Teresa Castillo whose family history traces back to Spain and conquistadores will lead the presentation.

  The Spanish Colonial era of Texas — from 1519 to 1821 — was defined by Spain's attempts to secure its northern frontier against French incursion through a network of missions and presidios. Though Spain claimed the territory for centuries, their actual footprint remained small, limited mostly to San Antonio, Goliad and Nacogdoches.

  After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico controlled Texas, encouraged Anglo-American settlement, and eventually lost the territory following the Texas Revolution in 1836 and the Mexican-American War.

  Thanks to the Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bratcher Jr. Foundation, Sally and Michael Ward, Rosemary Morrow, Emma Lea Mayton, Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge and Moon Valley Nurseries for their support of this special program.