Land!: Irish Pioneers in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas

The only successful European impresarios in mid-nineteenth century Mexican Texas—men authorized to bring immigrants to settle the vast spaces of Mexico's northern territories—were Irish. On their land grants, Irish settlers founded Refugio and San Patricio and went on to take active roles in the economic and political development of Texas. It required a hardy spirit and strong ambition to weather the perils that accompanied these opportunities—the long journey, shipwrecks, hostile Indians, ...