What is an "empresario" in the context of Texas colonization?

An "empresario" refers to a land developer or an individual who was responsible for recruiting settlers to colonize a particular area in Texas during the early 19th century. These individuals were granted land by the Mexican government and were then tasked with bringing in families to settle on that land. The empresarios played a crucial role in the expansion of settlements in Texas, as they often organized the arrangements for settlers' migration, helped with legal processes, and provided support to establish communities.

The concept of the empresario system was significant because it enabled the growth of Texas population through organized immigration, and it laid the groundwork for the state's development. As such, the role of an empresario was pivotal in increasing the number of settlers in Texas, contributing to its eventual path towards statehood.