Introduction—Historic Overview

In 1528 the first black arrived in Texas with the Spaniards; Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. The Spaniards abolished slavery and established equality for all citizens including for the blacks. Blacks in Texas were allowed to work in any profession or skilled trade they desired. Texas has been ruled by six different governments: Spanish, French, Mexican, Texas, Confederate, and the United States. However, in 1821 Texas became apart of the Union and slavery was established. One of the first towns to open a slave port where slaves were brought to Texas was Galveston, TX. Most of the slave markets were located in South Texas where they were sold to planters, factors, farmers, and urban dwellers at prices ranging from $300 to $2,000. By 1860 there were 182,566 slaves in Texas that were owned by 21,878 slave holders. However, with the Civil War ending on April 9, 1865, the slaves in Texas were not freed until June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX.