Final answer:
Stephen F. Austin led the first 300 families into Texas in 1821, which represented the main American colony in Texas that he established. This initial step paved the way for rapid American expansion in the region, culminating in the Texas Revolution and the formation of the Republic of Texas or the Lone Star Republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stephen F. Austin is widely recognized for leading the first 300 families into the Mexican province of Texas in 1821 as part of Mexico's effort, under Emperor AgustÃn I, to populate and stabilize the region. These families were supposed to be of good moral character, abide by the laws of Mexico, and convert to Roman Catholicism.
This movement marked the beginning of significant American settlement in Texas, which rapidly grew beyond the initial 300 families. By 1827, there were 12,000 Americans in Texas, indicating an explosion of American influence in the area following Austin's initial colony.
Despite the intended number of families, there was no official maximum set for future settlements, which, along with lenient Mexican colonization laws, facilitated the rapid growth of the American population in Texas. This growth occurred alongside significant historical events, including the outlawing of slavery by Mexican President Vicente Guerrero and the Texas Revolution, which eventually led to the formation of the Republic of Texas, also known as the Lone Star Republic.
The demands of the settlers, including the suspension of customs duties and creation of an independent state, were partially met by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, but the desire for full statehood and independence intensified and culminated in the Texas Revolution.
It's important to note that the question asks for the total number of colonies established by Austin; however, the historical records highlight the well-known fact that he founded the initial colony that consisted of 300 families, without mentioning subsequent specific colonies by name.