Austin and Texas History: Texas History

 

A Lone Star Is Born

One way to understand the centuries-long sweep of Texas history is through the evolution of the state's mapped boundaries. The colonial, republic and early statehood periods in the 18th and 19th centuries yielded maps that, put in chronological order, show the Lone Star State we know today being born. 

Lone Star from Colony to Republic to State (1700s - 1846)

Map of Texas Colony & Adjacent Regions in the 1700s

Native Americans were a potent force during Texas' colonial period. Among the various tribes was a mutually beneficial alliance aimed at keeping the peace and providing protection: the Caddo confederacies (noted in map) centered on the Red River in East Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The English word “Texas” stems from the Caddo word “thecas” (meaning “allies” or “friends”) by way of the Spanish spelling “tejas.” Image: Texas State Archives Map Number 2966.

Texas History Resources

Bullock Texas State History Museum
"We steward the display of Texas artifacts from around the world." photograph of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, with the flags out front and a few clouds in a blue sky.

 

LBJ Presidential Library & MuseumPhotograph of LBJ Library from under the branches of a tree on the lawn
"The Library houses 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Johnson's political career."

 

 

 

 

Texas Memorial Museum Photograph of Austin's First museum, the Texas Memorial Museum.

Austin's first science museum. (Closed Until Fall of 2023)

Texas Military Forces MuseumPhotograph of Texas Military Forces museum including sign with name and hours in front.
"The museum maintains a library of military history publications consisting of over 10,000 books and periodicals." 

 

 

 

 

Texas Music MuseumPhotograph of Texas Music Museum at the corner of San Marcos Street and 11th street with signs at corner.
"The Texas Music Museum collects and preserves artifacts, documents and reference material surrounding the diverse traditions of Texas music."

 

Briscoe Center for American History, UT AustinPhotograph of the Briscoe Museum with trees, flags and grass out front on a sunny day.
"The Briscoe Center for American History is the major repository at The University for historical documents of Texas, the South, and Southwest."

 

 

 

 

Harry Ransom Center, UT Austin
"Ransom Center collections [...] contain items relating to Texas history and letters" Photograph of the Harry Ransom Center from Guadalupe Street, green trees during summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Texas General Land Office
 "Established in 1837, the Archives consist of land grant records and maps dating toPhotograph of Texas General Land office and lawn. the 16th century that detail the passage of Texas public lands to private ownership."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas State Capitol
"Capitol History, Historic Photographs," Photograph of the Texas State Capitol building promenade

 

Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO)TARO logo on a leaf

A collection of descriptions or "finding aids" for archives, libraries, and museums across Texas.

Texas Archive of the Moving ImageTexas Archive of the Moving Image logo with Texas flag bordered by film strip boxes