Discusses the history and importance of the Chihuahua Trail, established in the sixteenth century to connect Mexico City and Santa Fe, and the Camino Real, established in the seventeenth century to take travelers and trade up the Californian coastline.
Presents a short history of the state of Texas, and describes the Spanish arrival in the region, first settlements, life in Spanish Texas, Mexican Independence, Texas Republic, and statehood.
Surveys the life of Swiss/German immigrant John Sutter on whose land gold was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, spurring the California gold rush and westward expansion. Presented in English and Spanish.
A biography of Sam Houston, discussing his role in the history of the United States as a soldier, general, congressman and senator, and governor in the 1800s.
Presents the biographies of a father and son, Moses and Stephen F. Austin, who lived during the late 1700s and early 1800s, and were part of the first settlers in Missouri and then Texas, where Stephen helped win freedom from Mexico.
A young girl relates her feelings and experiences as a participant in the battle of San Pasqual during the last days of the war between the Californians and Americans.
Relates the events of the 1846 Easter eve when the white settlers of Fredericksburg, Texas, made a treaty, still commemorated annually, with the neighboring Apache and Comanche tribes.
Describes the beginning of the Spanish mission system in California, its expansion, and the effects of the missions on the native peoples of that area.
