Texas A&M University (TAMU) HIST226 History of Texas Exam 1 Practice Exam

The correct answer, which is the measurement of a league corresponding to a ranching family in Austin's Colony, is significant in understanding the land distribution and agricultural practices in early Texas history. A league measures approximately 4,428 acres and was a standard unit of land used in the 19th century for large land grants, particularly in areas organized for settlement such as Austin's Colony, which was established by Stephen F. Austin.

The use of a league allowed ranching families to have vast expanses of land for grazing cattle and other livestock, which was crucial for their livelihoods at that time. This large land grant also facilitated the establishment of ranching as a dominant economic activity in Texan society. The league was a practical solution for managing extensive ranches necessary to support families and agricultural production in the region.

In contrast, the other measurements mentioned do not accurately reflect the scale of land typically associated with ranching families in Austin's Colony. Labor, at 177 acres, represents a smaller parcel of land, while the grant of 1,200 acres could be seen as substantial but still does not match the expansive nature of a league. The term "parcel" itself lacks a specific historical context relevant to the large-scale ranching system of that era