Mexico required their citizens to speak spanish, convert to catholism and banned slavery. However, Texans ignored the Mexican laws and set the stage for Texan independence.
The Spanish were the reason behind the US having cattle and horses in the Americas. They first came to Texas and brought their skills of handling these animals.
Stephen F. Austin known as the father of Texas moved to Texas after his father died and inherited his land. The city was named in honor of Austin and became the state's capitol before it was moved to Houston.