Who were the European explorers and settlers of Texas and why did they come to Texas? How did Mexico"s independence from Spain affect the development of Texas? What events led to the creation of the Republic of Texas and Texas"s annexation to the United States? Find these answers along with all kinds of fascinating, historical facts that tell the story of the state of Texas. In this book, you"ll find information about the first American settlers in Texas and what drove them to declare their independence from Mexico. You will learn about Texas"s role in the Mexican War and the Civil War. And, you"ll learn how cowboys and oil wells came to shape the economy and image of the Lone Star state.