From: laro@idworld.net   
      
   For the poster who asked about haciendas in Texas during the early 19th   
   Century, Kye gave you some good information when he said that the definition   
   changes.  To YOU, does the word mean "property" or does it mean simply a   
   structure?   Questions for you to ponder.   
      
   So.  Did you mean haciendas as an institution?  A large piece of   
   property/ranch?  A ranchhouse?   What?   
      
   At any rate, here are some other suggestions you might try, if you are   
   seriously pursuing answers.  I'm going to assume you are interested in Texas   
   haciendas which were not nearly as huge and old as those discussed in the   
   article cited below, since the permanent residents of Texas prior 1718 had   
   no written language.   
      
   Look for writings by Graham, Joe.  His is now deceased but he devoted a   
   large part of his life and time to studying and writing about the Spanish   
   Rancho in Texas, the rancho often being considered the hacienda.   The term   
   "hacendado" does mean big rancher or landowner, and was used in Texas during   
   the 1750-1820 period to describe a rancher, probably wealthy, who often   
   raised cattle, sometimes driving them back into Mexico to sell.  That later   
   became economically impractical.   
      
   I have visited one hacienda in South Texas which has a stone over its front   
   door that says it was founded in 1750.  He still raises a few cattle, but   
   most of his income comes from those pumps across the land that run day and   
   night.  He inherited the land from his mother's family, an old Spanish land   
   grant prior to Mexican Independence.   
      
   OKAY!   
   Look for books/articles by a young professor named de la Teja.  I forget his   
   first name, but his middle name is Francisco, called Frank.  He wrote a   
   dissertation on San Antonio de Bexar, later published commercially.  He is   
   extremely knowledgeable on the topic of life in Texas during 1718-1800,   
   ranching and town life.  Maybe the MOST knowledgeable man writing on the   
   topic, today.   
      
   One book by Gerry Poyo may be helpful also, tho I'm not sure at this time   
   and my copy is not near at hand.   
      
   Look for books/articles by Hinojosa, Gilberto.  He is currently dean at IWU   
   in San Antonio and has written on San Antonio and Laredo topics.   
      
   I have another one in mind, but can not think of the name of the colonizer,   
   I call him the "Great colonizer" but he's a Spanish dude who was given the   
   job of colonizing both sides of the Rio Bravo back about 1750.  He was very   
   successful, founding more than one settlement which continues to exist as a   
   city...like Laredo, Texas.  Look for the origins of Laredo, you'll find   
   another name of the Spanish rancher who founded it.  That may lead you   
   further into this morass.   
      
   By the way, what was your original interest in this?  Writing a book or   
   story?  Just for personal interest?   The authors I've named will provide   
   plenty of data which will help with understanding in either case.   
      
   Should I assume that you've already been to the New Handbook of Texas   
   On-Line?   
   IF not, do it.   
      
   "Kye Ohtie"  wrote in message   
   news:40278fff@news.zianet.com...   
   >   
   > Here is an excellent web site that   
   > discusses the "Hacienda System" as   
   > it applied to Mexico under Spanish   
   > rule (that would include 1820):   
   >   
   > http://www.pmexc.com/pmexcold/pmc/tours/fieldtrp/fthcdas/fthcdhis.htm   
      
   You're correct, it would include 1820!  I think it would.   If I'm wrong,   
   someone like Steve will surely correct me.  :-)   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)