Stephen F. Austin was born into a well-to-do family with a father that pushed the American frontiers as his forefathers had done since 1638. In the 1770's, his father and brother pushed the frontier into western Virginia. In 1798, at 5 years of age, Stephen and his family moved to the Spanish owned territory of Missouri to operate a lead mine. The family did well and Stephen became an educated, responsible young man of the western frontier. But then, in the economic panic of 1819, his father, Moses Austin, lost the entire family fortune.
Moses came with up a plan to recover the family fortune. He proposed to bring colonists to the Spanish owned province of Texas, and the Governor of Texas recommended approving the empressario contract. But Moses died before he could begin carrying out the contract and, as his final wish, asked his wife to convince Stephen to fulfill it.
For the next 15 years, Stephen F. Austin used his knowledge and strength of character to develop Texas in spite of the continual political turmoil in Mexico, which had gained its independence from Spain in 1821. In the 1830's, trouble started between the colonists and the Mexican authorites, however, Stephen was able to keep the peace for many years. But then, in 1834, he was jailed by the Mexican government as a revolutionary; when he was released from prison, his attitude had changed and in 1835 a war for Texas independence started. He told his people, "There are no more half measures. It is now war in full."
On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston lead the Texas Army against Mexican President Santa Anna at San Jacinto.....and beat him. Texas was now the Republic of Texas.
After Stephen F. Austin's death, Sam Houston gave a eulogy at his funeral and called him the "The Father of Texas."
This is the saga of a poor immigrant family that, with every generation became better educated and a little wealthier. This is a dramatic and unique story of one family who changed not only American history but also world history. If it were not for this family, what would America look like today?
A TEKS supportive Curriculum Guide for pre-and post-performance studies and activities is provided to teachers for performances by Stephen F. Austin.
If you are into Texas history, you should have attended the Stephen F. Austin Symposium on his 208th birthday at the Star Of The Republic Museum at Washington-On-The-Brazos. Click here!
The Stephen F. Austin statue in Angleton, Texas
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