Texas Hispanic Roots

Texas - in the beginning

Texas's culture is deeply rooted in the legacy of former Mexican citizens who remained or settled after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, shaping the state despite enduring significant challenges and injustices. Promised all the rights of American citizenship, their history, marked by hardship, loss, and resilience, highlights the lasting impact of the Treaty and the struggles caused by greed and power.

The Treaty outlined the rights and protections granted to Mexicans residing in territories that formerly belonged to Mexico. It guaranteed their freedom to remain or relocate, ensured their property was respected, and allowed them to choose between Mexican or U.S. citizenship. Those who became U.S. citizens were promised equal rights, protection of liberty and property, and religious freedom.

Their experiences and recorded history tell a different story.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo - ARTICLE VIII

Mexicans now established in territories previously belonging to Mexico, and which remain for the future within the limits of the United States, as defined by the present treaty, shall be free to continue where they now reside, or to remove at any time to the Mexican Republic, retaining the property which they possess in the said territories, or disposing thereof, and removing the proceeds wherever they please, without their being subjected, on this account, to any contribution, tax, or charge whatever.

Those who shall prefer to remain in the said territories may either retain the title and rights of Mexican citizens or acquire those of citizens of the United States. But they shall be under the obligation to make their election within one year from the date of the exchange of ratifications of this treaty; and those who shall remain in the said territories after the expiration of that year, without having declared their intention to retain the character of Mexicans, shall be considered to have elected to become citizens of the United States.

In the said territories, property of every kind, now belonging to Mexicans not established there, shall be inviolably respected. The present owners, the heirs of these, and all Mexicans who may hereafter acquire said property by contract shall enjoy with respect to it guarantees equally ample as if the same belonged to citizens of the United States.

ARTICLE IX

The Mexicans who, in the territories aforesaid, shall not preserve the character of citizens of the Mexican Republic, conformably with what is stipulated in the preceding article, shall be incorporated into the Union of the United States. and be admitted at the proper time (to be judged of by the Congress of the United States) to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States, according to the principles of the Constitution; and in the meantime, shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property, and secured in the free exercise of their religion without restriction. Source

FAQs

Who are Texans?

Texans include a rich mix of cultures, especially Hispanic communities with deep roots.

When did Hispanics arrive?

Hispanic presence in Texas dates back to Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

What influenced culture?

Hispanic traditions shaped Texas's language, music, cuisine, and festivals throughout its history.

How did Texas change?

Texas evolved from a Spanish territory into a vibrant, multicultural state.

Are there landmarks?

Many historic sites tell the story of Hispanics in Texas.

Where can I learn more?

Explore local museums, libraries, and cultural centers for rich Hispanic Texas history.