Stephen F. Austin (1793-1836)
Stephen F. Austin is considered the "Father of Texas" due to his continued efforts to settle the territory. His father Moses Austin contracted with the Spanish government to colonize a portion of northern Mexico. When Moses died in June 1821, the contract transferred to the younger Austin. Stephen selected a site for his colony along the Brazos and Colorado rivers and began recruiting families in 1821. Progress was slow because of difficulty in transporting supplies into the area and because of changing Mexican politics. Austin frequently discussed the future of his colony with Mexican officials and he earned their trust.
By 1825, 291 families lived in Austin's Colony. They were called the "Old Three Hundred." Austin continued to negotiate with the Mexican government and represent residents. He also secured other land grants. In ten years he helped more than 1,500 families settle in Texas. At first the leadership of Antonio López de Santa Anna please Austin, but as Santa Anna assumed more and more control, he limited the freedom of the Texans. Austin supported the organized opposition to the absolute power of Santa Anna. This opposition led to the Texas Revolution.
Additional Information Can Be Found At...
Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas
PBS - THE WEST - Stephen F. Austin
Handbook of Texas Online: AUSTIN, STEPHEN FULLER