The Seventh Flag Comanche Indians in Texas

Little is known about the Indians in North America. At best, they are displayed as ignorant savages whose only purpose was to impede the progress of civilization. Consequently, historians frequently overlook the contributions made by American Indians.

The Comanche Indians in Texas had a decided influence in the making of an independent Texas. The Comanches, themselves, were not aware of their contribution. The Comanches, though, were as important to Texas as Stephen Austin and Sam Houston. These three entities when combined made for an independent Texas. If any one of the three defaulted or were absent, there would not have been a Texas as we know it.

This book introduces the reader to the Comanche's way of life; their government, and their uniqueness as a people. The reader comes away with the knowledge that the Comanches, although lived in the Stone Age, were human beings with aspirations much like other people.

Early in the life of Texas, political forces began to focus on Texas. Spain had claimed Texas for 300 years but never really had an interest in Texas. Nevertheless, Spain feared that its European rivals, Britain and France, coveted Texas. Spain did not have resources to control events without help from outside its system. Through diplomacy, Spain hoped to control Texas and to keep it as its own by inviting Americans to live in Texas as Spanish citizens. A key factor in this decision was Comanche raiders crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico. Might the Comanches then raid nearby American settlements in Texas rather than crossing into Mexico?