Texas History: Natural Texas to Spanish Explorers

Escarpment

An area with steep slopes or cliffs.

Plateau

An area of high flat land.

Landforms

Natural features of the Earth.

Region

An area with places that share the same characteristics.

Coastal Plains

Most populated region in Texas with the largest area, most rainfall, rivers, and variety of plants, animals, and natural resources; western border Balcones Escarpment.

Mountain and Basin

Least populated region in Texas with a semiarid climate, less than 10-20 inches of rain; includes Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Peak.

North Central Plains

Region in Texas with decreased rainfall; western border Caprock Escarpment.

Great Plains

Region in Texas from Panhandle to Rio Grande; includes Palo Duro Canyon; northern part has colder weather, southern part has milder weather.

1900 Storm

Storm on Sept 8, 1900, causing major damage to Galveston, leading to the construction of Houston Ship Channel and Port of Houston; prompted people to move inland towards Houston.

Adapting to the Environment

People adjust to the environment by planting suitable crops, using A/C or heating, and wearing specific clothing.

Modifying the Environment

People change the environment by raising land, clearing natural vegetation, polluting air or water, and using materials like cement for safety purposes.

Major Cities and Rivers in Texas

Includes bordering rivers like Rio Grande, Sabine River, and Red River; named by Spanish explorers.

Hunters/Gatherers

Early humans who came to North America via the Bering Strait, using sticks and stones as weapons.

Paleolithic Era

Period where flint-tipped spears were created, fire was used for cooking, and dried berry mix called pemmican was made for travel.

Archaic Era

Era where a handheld spear thrower called an atlatl was invented.

Woodland Era

Era where people moved into villages, started farming, and planted the 'American Triad' of beans, corn, and squash.

Caddo

American Indian tribe with a large roaming area in/near Piney Woods, known for farming and fishing.

Wichila

American Indian tribe known for farming and fishing, identified by darkened eye areas with cool ash.

Karankawa/Atakapa

Nomadic tribes living near Galveston, using dugout canoes for transportation.

Tonkawa

Nomadic tribe in the Panhandle of Texas, known for buffalo hunting, living in teepees.

Jumano

American Indian tribe living in adobe housing, skilled in trades, farming, and hunting; used irrigation for crops.

Coahuiltecan

Nomadic tribe near Rio Grande, using dugout canoes for transportation.

Alonzo Pineda

Spanish explorer who mapped the Texas coastline in 1519, claiming the area for Spain as New Spain.

Cabeza de Vaca

Spanish explorer shipwrecked on Galveston Island, traveled over 2,000 miles, and wrote about his experiences.

Francisco Coronado

Spanish explorer looking for golden cities, introduced cows, sheep, horses, and mules to Texas.

Luis Moscoso

Explorer who crossed Red and Trinity rivers in search of golden cities but found 'black gold' (oil).

Juan de Onate

Spanish explorer who traveled along Rio Grande, founded Santa Fe, New Mexico.