By combining dramatic, real-life incidents, biographical sketches, and historical background, the authors bring to life these famous (and sometimes infamous) men of Spanish Texas:
-- Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
-- Alonso de Leon
-- Francisco Hidalgo
-- Louis Juchereau de St. Denis
-- Antonio Margil
-- The Marques de Aguayo
-- Pedro de Rivera
-- Felipe de Rabago
-- Jose de Escandon
-- Athanase de Mezieres
-- The Marques de Rubi
-- Antonio Gil Ibarvo
-- Domingo Cabello
-- Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara
-- Joaquin de Arredondo

The authors also devote a chapter to the women of Spanish Texas, drawing on scarce historical clues to tell the stories of both well-known and previously unknown Tejana, Indian, African, and Spanish women.