The End of the Texas Frontier and Transformation after the Civil War

Overview

• Post-Civil War Texas experienced significant transformation.
• Transitioned from reliance on slavery and cotton farming to new developments.
• Emergence of cities, education systems, railroads, industries, and technologies.
• Became a national center for cattle ranching and driving.

Population Growth

• Texas attracted people due to abundant opportunities.
• Population grew from about 818,000 in 1870 to over 2 million by 1890.
• Significant increase in German population, from 41,000 to 125,000 by 1890.

Native American Raids

• Indian raids were major obstacles to growth, spreading fear and hindering investment.
• Raids increased post-Civil War due to economic hardships faced by Native Americans.

Key Native American Threats

• Comanche:

  • Five bands roamed Southern Plains post-war.
  • Peneta were in decline by 1870s due to disease and land pressures.
  • Kahati (Antelope Eater band) became a prominent threat in the Panhandle.

• Kiowa:

  • Allied with Comanche, joining raids.
  • Originally from Northern Plains, migrated due to pressure from other tribes.
  • Engaged in pillage, killing, and rape, often living in mobile teepees.

• Kapoo:

  • Raiding from Mexico into Texas for supplies and vengeance.
  • Stole over 500,000 cattle and 400,000 horses between 1865 and 1872.

Military Response

• The U.S. Army intervened to counter native threats.

• First Battle of Adobe Walls (1864):

  • One of the largest US-Native battles.
  • US Army used artillery, but retreated surrounded by native warriors.
  • Resulted in significant destruction but little conquest.

• Other regional conflicts:

  • Apache and Kapoo raids resulted in deaths and significant livestock losses.

Impact on Settlers

• Constant fear and fortification of homes due to raids.
• Notable raids detailed:
  • 1871 Wise County raid resulted in deaths and captives.
  • Montague County saw similar attacks in 1870.
  • Lee family massacre near Brazos River.

Native American and U.S. Interactions

• Settlers viewed extermination as a solution to raids.
• Eastern and Northern citizens called for Native protection.
• US had a history of massacres, e.g., Sand Creek and Bear River massacres against natives.

Cultural Differences and Conflicts

• Native tactics (e.g., raiding, torture) misunderstood by Americans.
• Conversely, American practices (e.g., mining, sporting hunts) provoked natives.
• These cultural conflicts often led to violence, with severe consequences for natives.

Assimilation and Reservation System

• Post-war, U.S. government reinstituted reservation systems to protect natives.
• Aimed to prevent extinction and assimilate natives into American culture.

Next Steps

• Further discussion will cover the challenges faced by Native Americans against U.S. military interventions.