How did the Old 300 pay for their land?

The Old 300, as the first settlers of Texas were known, had the opportunity to acquire land through a land grant system established by the Mexican government. Each head of household was eligible to receive a minimum of 177 acres if they intended to farm, or 4,428 acres if they planned to raise livestock. This was a significant amount of land, especially compared to the limited opportunities available in other parts of the United States at the time.

To pay for their land, the Old 300 settlers had a few options available to them. One common method was through bartering and trade. Many of the settlers had valuable skills or goods that they could exchange for the necessary funds. They would trade with other settlers or with local merchants to acquire the money needed to purchase their land.

Another option was to sell their existing property or assets in order to raise the funds. Some of the settlers had already established themselves in other parts of the United States and had property or businesses that they could sell to finance their move to Texas. This allowed them to have the necessary funds to purchase their land and start a new life in Texas.

In some cases, the settlers formed partnerships or pooled their resources together to raise the necessary funds. They would combine their money and assets to collectively purchase the land. This allowed individuals who may not have had enough money on their own to still acquire land and become part of the Old 300.

It’s important to note that the land grant system was not a free giveaway. The settlers were required to cultivate the land within two years, or they risked losing it. This meant that they had to immediately start working on their land, clearing it, building their homes, and establishing their farms or ranches. Failure to do so would result in the forfeiture of the land.