Long before Texas was a U. S. state, it was a part of Mexico, which in turn was part of the massive Spanish Empire. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, it became the northeastern most province of the new nation. At about that same time, large numbers of Americans began settling in Mexico, both legally and illegally. Join Sean and James as they narrate these early years of Texas history, focusing on the challenges faced by both the Mexican government and the early Anglo settlers of Texas.