The history of colonial Texas begins with a shipwreck of a Spanish expedition led by Cabeza de Vaca along the Gulf Coast in 1527. Readers will learn why it took nearly 200 years to establish the first permanent settlement at San Antonio, how the Louisiana Purchase led to troubles between Spain and the United States, and how Texas became part of Mexico in 1821. They'll witness the land rush that brought settlers from Louisiana and Kentucky pouring into Texas and the battles at the Alamo and San Jacinto that made Texas an independent republic for nine years before it became the 28th state in 1845. Through the eyes of explorers, missionaries, Native Americans, government officials, and more, children gain a new perspective on colonial Texas.