Forty-one of the 254 counties in Texas have Spanish names. Spain introduced horses, cattle and sheep into Texas. The Mexican caballero or cowboy culture developed on the vast rancheros or ranches that covered Texas. These caballeros invented many of the ranching techniques and equipment still in use today. The great herds of wild mustangs that roamed Texas were descended from the first horses brought over from Spain, and the Texas Longhorn developed from Spanish cattle.
Spanish architecture is evident across the state.
Many modern homes and offices are constructed of solid brick walls, mimicking the effects of early adobe structures, and feature Spanish tile roofs and stucco siding. Although the Republic of Texas adopted English common law as the official legal system in 1840, lawmakers adapted it to include many aspects of Spanish and Mexican law. Under the English system, women were not allowed to own property and had few civil rights. Under Spanish law, women were able to control their own land and financial affairs. Texan legislators combined these two systems and created the community property system that is still in effect.