Native American Tribes and Spanish Explorers in Texas

Caddo

Had the largest roaming area in/near Piney Woods; settled in tall round houses; known for making loud shrill sounds; skilled in farming and fishing.

Wichita

Known as 'raccoon-eyed' people with darkened eye areas using cool ash; proficient in farming and fishing.

Karankawa/Atakapa

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

Tonkawa

Nomadic tribe living in the Panhandle of Texas, hunting buffalo and other large animals, residing in teepees.

Jumano

Resided in adobe housing to the west, known for striped lines on face; skilled in trade, farming, hunting, and irrigation for crops.

Coahuiltecan

Nomadic tribe near Rio Grande, using dugout canoes for mobility and food gathering.

Alonzo Pineda

Mapped Texas coastline, planted Spain's flag in 1519, claiming the area as NEW SPAIN.

Cabeza de Vaca

Shipwreck survivor on Galveston Island, walked over 2,000 miles, encountered buffalo, and heard of 'Seven Cities of Cibola,' authoring a book.

Francisco Coronado

Explorer searching for golden cities, introduced cows, sheep, horses, and mules to Texas, journeyed into Palo Duro Canyon.

Luis Moscoso

Traveled from the east, crossed Red and Trinity rivers, seeking golden cities but discovered 'black gold' (oil).

Juan de Onate

Final Spanish explorer in search of gold, traveled along Rio Grande, founded Santa Fe, New Mexico.