Stephen F. Austin did not particularly want to go to Texas. He had a fine position as a federal circuit judge in Arkansas.

Moving to Texas was the dream of his father, Moses. The elder Austin had secured permission to establish a colony but died before he could complete the task. To honor his father’s dying request, Stephen continued the work.

Though he was only 29, he proved to be an able recruiter and an excellent leader. By December 1821 the first Anglo families began arriving at Austin’s colony.