In part 4 of this series, driven by the quest for silver the Spanish expand into, and settle Northern Mexico.
Along the way, they learn to pacify and, if needed , to fight the "wild indios" they encounter.
To do so, they constructed missions and presidios…recruit allies and train priests… and, most importantly of all, they perfect the use of mounted cavalry... to patrol the vast landscape…
In the early 1700s… fearful of the intentions of French in nearby Louisiana…they cross the Rio Grande... and begin to colonize Texas…As they consolidate their supply route through central Texas…they finally meet their match…at a place called San Saba. ..