During the 10 years when Texas was a republic, immigrant agents were awarded contracts to bring colonists to Texas. The population more than tripled, with thousands of colonists from the United States immigrating into Texas each year. Settlers came from as far away as France, Germany, and Switzerland. In addition, the number of enslaved people increased during the days of the republic and early statehood. Many of the Anglo settlers held racial prejudices against African Americans and Mexican Texans. Even Tejano Juan Seguín, who had led troops at San Jacinto and was mayor of San Antonio, left Texas for several years to escape the prejudice.

Farms and Ranches Most Texans farmed—both cash crops and subsistence crops—or raised livestock. Cotton and sugarcane were the most important cash crops. By 1860 cotton production had soared to 400,000 bales per year. It was relatively easy for new settlers to enter the cattle business. Herds of wild cattle roamed much of South and East Texas. Although most planters and ranchers were men, women owned and managed plantations, too.

Trade and Transportation Towns began to spring up. Many Texans made their livings in these towns as brick masons, blacksmiths, carpenters, and wheelwrights. Others entered professions such as law, medicine, the ministry, and teaching. The few industries in early Texas were located in towns or along major roads or rivers. The oxen and wagons that carried goods traveled along roads that turned into mud during rains. Stagecoach lines and steamboats were other modes of travel in early Texas. The first Texas railroads were built shortly after statehood. To encourage the expansion of the rail lines, the state gave bounties of land and loaned money to railroad companies.