"The OLD Three hundred"
The "Old Three Hundred" were not just any 300 families selected at random, they were selected with careful consideration. Stephen F. Austin was warned that he was solely responsible for the settlers. The settler's behavior would determine their success, especially dealing with Mexico. Because Austin had no intention of causing problems, most of the settlers were "better" classed. As it turns out, only 4 of the original 300 was illiterate.
When it came to land, the new settlers were quite smart. If you intended on being a farmer, you were to receive "one labor" (about 177 acres). If you opted to do a little more work, you chose to be a rancher, who received "one sitio" (about 4,428 acres). Most of the settlers decided to be a rancher, even though they had full intentions of farming on that land. The farmers were located in 3 different groups, surrounding the San Felipe de Austin, also known as the nucleus of the colony.
The most interesting thing about the "Old 300" is that they were not exactly 300, to begin with. It total, it actually came to 297 titles issued for land. Not all of the titles given for land where for families. Titles were also given to groups of 2 or 3 single men, claiming to have a partnership over the land. Only 22 of these partnerships were given to a total of 59 men, bringing the total 297 groups/families. There were 307 titles issued, but 9 of the family's received 2 titles each. The title, "the original old 297," doesn't sound as great. The families were tasked with improving the land within 2 years and paying the state 30 dollars within 6 years or forfeiting their titles. Only 7 groups/families failed.
Austin had his hand full with land grants and surveyors. Besides bringing the colonists to Texas, Austin strove to produce and maintain conditions conducive to their prosperous development. He faced issues like slavery, relationships between Anglo settlers, Indians and Hispanic natives of the boarders. It was a continuous battle, but one worth fighting.
When it came to land, the new settlers were quite smart. If you intended on being a farmer, you were to receive "one labor" (about 177 acres). If you opted to do a little more work, you chose to be a rancher, who received "one sitio" (about 4,428 acres). Most of the settlers decided to be a rancher, even though they had full intentions of farming on that land. The farmers were located in 3 different groups, surrounding the San Felipe de Austin, also known as the nucleus of the colony.
The most interesting thing about the "Old 300" is that they were not exactly 300, to begin with. It total, it actually came to 297 titles issued for land. Not all of the titles given for land where for families. Titles were also given to groups of 2 or 3 single men, claiming to have a partnership over the land. Only 22 of these partnerships were given to a total of 59 men, bringing the total 297 groups/families. There were 307 titles issued, but 9 of the family's received 2 titles each. The title, "the original old 297," doesn't sound as great. The families were tasked with improving the land within 2 years and paying the state 30 dollars within 6 years or forfeiting their titles. Only 7 groups/families failed.
Austin had his hand full with land grants and surveyors. Besides bringing the colonists to Texas, Austin strove to produce and maintain conditions conducive to their prosperous development. He faced issues like slavery, relationships between Anglo settlers, Indians and Hispanic natives of the boarders. It was a continuous battle, but one worth fighting.