How did Texas's geography influence its early settlement?

Texas's geography played a crucial role in shaping its early settlement patterns, with the vast network of rivers serving as a major factor in facilitating trade and transportation. The many rivers, including the Trinity, Brazos, and Colorado, provided vital arteries for moving goods and people, connecting different parts of the region and making it easier for settlers to establish trade routes. This accessibility was essential for the early economy, allowing for the exchange of agricultural products, livestock, and other resources necessary for settlement.

The other geographic factors also influenced settlement but did not have the same unifying impact as the rivers. While rich farmland indeed contributed to agricultural development and mountainous regions might have limited certain types of settlement, the expansive river systems were instrumental in linking communities and promoting economic growth. Coastal areas did indeed attract settlements primarily for fishing, but the role of rivers in broader trade and transportation was much more significant during the early periods of Texas history. Deserts presented challenges but did not entirely prevent settlement in nearby areas that offered more favorable conditions. Thus, the role of rivers as facilitators of trade and movement underscores their importance in the early development of Texas.