Final answer:
The families that settled in San Antonio in 1731 came from Spain, establishing a Spanish civil society in what is now Texas, long before the American settlement era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The families were brought to San Antonio in 1731 to form a civil settlement originating from Spain. These Spanish families were part of an effort to establish a Spanish presence and civil society in the region that is now Texas. At the time, Texas was a province of Spain and not yet part of Mexico or the United States.
It's important to note that this was a half-century before the influx of settlers from the United States, which began around the early 19th century, as part of Mexico's strategy to populate its northern territories and maintain control over them. The Spanish influence is evident in many aspects of Texan culture and history, including architecture, place names, and legal systems.