History

The first humans to arrive in Texas came sometime between 13,000 and 10,000 BCE. Europeans arrived and began mapping the area in 1519. A lot has happened since then.
  • Texas in the 20th Century, Part 3

    World War II through 1980. This is the second of three articles on this topic. Read part one here and part two here. See a timeline view of the 20th Century here.
  • Texas in the 20th Century, Part 2

    Social changes, the Great Depression, and the New Deal. This is the second of three articles on this topic. Read part one here and part three here. See a timeline view of the 20th Century here.
  • Texas in the 20th Century

    From the Galveston hurricane through Prohibition, our state experiences some major changes between 1900–1920. This is the first of three articles on this topic. Read part two here and part three here. See a timeline view of the 20th Century here.
  • 86th Legislature Increases School Funding, Sets Limits on Local Property Tax Raises

    Texas legislators grappled successfully, and at last, with two major issues that have hounded state government for years — school finance reform and property tax relief — in the 86th legislative session that ran from Jan. 8 to May 27, 2019.
  • 88th Legislature: Tax Cuts, Border Security, and Impeachment

    The Texas Legislature rarely meets without generating some drama, and 2023 gatherings were no exception. Yet, despite intrigue aplenty in the 88th biennial session and subsequent special sessions, lawmakers were able to pass the largest two-year budget ever and, in a second special session, a record-breaking property tax cut.
  • 87th Legislature: Winter Storm Uri and a 6-Week Abortion Ban

    In short, the 87th session of the Texas Legislature was unlike any other, with the regular session addressing unparalleled challenges, and the aftermath casting Texas into the national spotlight.
  • Prehistoric Texas

    Archeologists use four basic stages to reflect the cultural advancement of early inhabitants... Click here for a timeline view of this period.
  • Mineral Water Spas of Texas

    The popularity of “taking the waters” — visiting mineral-water spas — peaked in the 1890s.
  • Polish Texans

    Poland immigrants have been a part of Texas since 1854.
  • History of Oil Discoveries in Texas

    Texas' first major discovery was in 1894.
  • Civilian Conservation Corps in Texas

    Many Texas Landmarks and structures were built by young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and early 1940s.
  • U.S. Senators from Texas

    Texas, as of, 1904, required that all candidates for office stood before voters in the primary. Since, the United States' Senate has had senators from Texas.
  • Elections of Texas Governors, 1845-2010

    Following are the results of elections of governors since Texas became a state in 1845. Party primaries, as well as general elections, are included whenever possible although Republican totals are not available for some early primaries.
  • Today's Public School Challenges

    Public School in Texas has numerous challenges. Generally, public education will probably always be a hot button issue in Texas as parents, teachers, lawmakers, and even the students themselves continue to seek ways to improve our schools. Importantly, public education faces, perhaps, more challenges today, than ever before, as Texas' communities of color hope to open up discussions surrounding critical race theory and largely to resituate their own experiences and representation within the teaching and learning of Texas history.
  • Many Cultures Converge to Creat One-of-a-Kind Lone Star Cuisine

    Texas' cuisine is influenced by the cultures of the six different flags that have flown over Texas. This has enabled a distinctive Texas cuisine; one that is rich in flavors ranging from Tex-Mex, barbecue, chicken fried steak, a veritable state stew, gumbo, or chili — take your pick — that reflects a land and its people.
  • Religion

    Church Membership is an important aspect of Texas life and experience.
  • Texas Olympic Medalists

    Texas has produced and propelled many Olympic Medalists since 1920.
  • 83rd Legislature: Record Budget, Abortion Limits

    A prosperous economy made passage of a record $196.9 billion biennial budget relatively easy in the 83rd Legislature but the congenial and workmanlike regular session was overshadowed by a battle royal over abortion in special sessions.
  • Religious Affiliation in Texas

    Texas remains one of the nation’s more “religious” states, even though a smaller proportion of Texans is affiliated with a congregation than ten years ago.
  • Election of Texas Governors, 1900-1948

    The office and election of the Texas Governor was established by Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution of 1876. The election of Texas Governors, since 1972 has enabled governors to serve the state for four-year terms.
  • 85th Legislature: Record Budget, Sanctuary Ban

    The Texas 2017, 85th Legislative session was astoundingly contentious. It advanced the state’s conservative push despite a rift in the ruling Republican Party.
  • A Brief History of Public Education

    Education has always been at the forefront of Texas history, development, and growth. As early as 1838, President Mirabeau B. Lamar’s message to the Republic of Texas Congress advocated setting aside public domain for public schools.
  • Texas Members of Congress

    Texas is allocated two members in the U.S. Senate and 36 members in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. The term of office for members of the House is two years and the terms of all current members will expire on Jan. 3, 2021. 

     

  • 84th Legislature: Tax Cuts, Gun Rights

    The 84th Texas Legislature convened for its 140-day regular session in January 2015 with one of the most conservative and Republican-dominated governments in the country. Legislators cut taxes, beefed up border security, and passed more permissive gun laws. Actions that shaped the future of the state.

It doesn't get any more Texan than this…

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