Understanding the Labor: A Historical Spanish Land Unit

Published: 1952

Updated: March 1, 1995

A labor (pronounced lah-bór) was a Spanish land unit measuring 177 acres. Under the Mexican colonization act by which the first settlers entered the Stephen F. Austin colony in Texas, heads of families engaged in farming were to receive a labor of land each. Cattle raisers received a sitio or league. Most of the original settlers combined ranching and farming and received a league and a labor.

Eugene C. Barker, The Life of Stephen F. Austin (Nashville: Cokesbury Press, 1925; rpt., Austin: Texas State Historical Association, 1949; New York: AMS Press, 1970).

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Anonymous, “Labor [Land Unit],” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed April 11, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/labor-land-unit.

TID: PFL01

Original Publication Date:: 1952
Most Recent Revision Date:: March 1, 1995

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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

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Understanding the Labor: A Historical Spanish Land Unit

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