Native
Americans were the first people to live in the Southwest region. Many different
Native American groups lived in the deserts of the Southwest region. Desert
Native Americans grew corn, beans and squash near rivers and
streams. Some lived in pueblos. Native Americans added rich culture
and heritage to Oklahoma,
Texas,
New Mexico and Arizona.
Spanish
explores came to the Southwest region from Mexico in the 1540's. They made
towns in this region long before the pilgrims came to America. The Spanish
settlers lived on ranches. Ranches are large farms with land for livestock
to graze on. The Spanish settlers brought livestock to this region from
Mexico. They traded with the Native Americans. They built cities all over
the Southwest region. Santa Fe was one of the first cities built. Spanish
settlers in this region are responsible for the names of many landmarks
in this region. Spanish architecture is still popular in the Southwest.
In
the 1800's people from the eastern United States moved into the Southwest
region. Adventures, prospectors, farmers, businessmen, and builders came
to the Southwest region to seek their fortunes. Prospectors rushed to the
Southwest in search of gold, silver, copper and other minerals. Many people
became rich overnight. Other pioneers made their fortunes farming near
rivers and streams and raising cattle. Native Americans and the pioneers
fought fiercely over land. The army came and built forts. They fought with
the Native Americans. Only the brave and hardy pioneers came until the
last of the Indian uprisings were finished and final piece won in 1886.
These settlers made cattle ranching a big business in the Southwest. Cowboys,
outlaws and rodeos are all a part of the Southwest.
