Texas in the 19th century experienced an era of expansion unlike the countryside had ever seen before. Although Spanish colonial and Mexican forces made the road to statehood difficult, their influences were now part of the Texas narrative and here to stay. Alongside early Anglo and Hispanic settlers already established in the region, a new wave of European arrivals began to make their mark across Texas including large numbers of Germans and Czechoslovakians. Not only did these new Texans bring their own languages and cultural preferences, they also brought their own architectural styles and designs. Fortunately, many examples survive today including a unique collection of community worship centers known now as the Painted Churches.