Stephen F. Austin: Reluctant Father of Texas

Q: Who was Stephen F. Austin?

Stephen F. Austin was the empresario responsible for the first settlements of Anglo-Americans in Texas, then part of Mexico, beginning in 1821. He managed all aspects of the initial settlements, negotiated with the Mexican government, and led troops during the Texas Revolution. He is known as the "Father of Texas."

Q: Why did Austin decide to settle Anglo-Americans in Texas?

Austin's father, Moses Austin, began the "Texas Venture" but died in 1821, asking his son to complete his work. Initially, Stephen Austin was studying to become a lawyer.

Q: What caused the biggest problems between colonists and the Mexican government?

Most Anglo-American colonists were slave owners. When Mexico outlawed slavery in 1829, the colonists threatened to revolt. Slavery became a major point of contention from then on, informing the Texas Revolution in 1835.

Q: How did Stephen F. Austin die?

Stephen F. Austin died of pneumonia on 27 December 1836.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Stephen Fuller Austin (1793-1836) has been known, since shortly after his death, as the "Father of Texas," as he was not only the first to lead Anglo-American settlers to the region and establish colonies but also endured the hardships of organizing these settlements and their laws, mandating socially acceptable behavior, and serving as liaison between colonists and the Mexican government.

More about: Stephen F. Austin

Timeline

1793 - 1836
Life of Stephen F. Austin.
1804 - 1810
Stephen F. Austin is educated on the East Coast of the USA.
1814
Stephen F. Austin is a politician and studying to become a lawyer.
1821
Stephen F. Austin's father, Moses Austin, dies; Stephen takes over his venture to settle Anglo-Americans in Texas.
1821 - 1833
Stephen F. Austin oversees the settlement of Anglo-American families in Texas.
1823
Stephen F. Austin establishes the Texas Rangers to protect colonists from Native Americans.
1833 - 1835
Stephen F. Austin is arrested by the Mexican government on suspicion of inciting insurrection; spends two years in prison.
1835
Stephen F. Austin leads Texian troops as Commander in the Texas Revolution.
Nov 1835
Stephen F. Austin resigns as commander of the Texian army and becomes a delegate to the USA to generate funds and recruits for the revolution.
1836
Stephen F. Austin returns to Texas and runs for president; is defeated by Sam Houston.
27 Dec 1836
Stephen F. Austin dies of pneumonia.