Records left by Spanish explorers, missionaries, and traders indicate that the Apache were moving into Texas, including the San Saba County area, from areas farther north in the late 1600s and early 1700s to hunt buffalo and escape their Native American enemies. Later in the 1700s, the Comanche also appeared in this area as they moved southward in search of buffalo, mustangs, and a warmer climate. The Comanche's rapid migration into Texas was facilitated by their mastery of the horse and their warrior tradition. The artifact inventories of these historic Native American groups include European trade goods.