Education & Research


Texas History Resources for Elementary and Middle School

Notable historical figure from Hays County is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a legendary Texas Ranger, see lessons that focus on him.


Research Links

The Handbook of Texas Online
This resource is considered "the Bible" for researchers seeking information on "people, places, events, historical themes, institutions, and a host of other topical categories dealing with Texas." It is sponsored by the Texas State Historical Association and the General Libraries at UT-Austin.

Texas History and Culture
Links to information on the history and culture of Texas, including Texas Governors, the Texas State Cemetery, and archives from the Texas General Land Office

The Portal to Texas History
University of North Texas Library provides a digital link to books, maps, photos, articles, etc. you can search yourself to find research material.

Texas Treasures Online
Exhibit of historical documents from the Texas State Library and Archives.

The Center for American History at the University of Texas
Divided into six divisions, located in four different regions of Texas, with each serving a unique purpose with large resources. Great photo library.

The Texas History Page
A commercial site that sells DVD's and VHS documentaries on Texas History. Their subject matter is far ranging and they have been on PBS, etc. Also links to other information.

Texas Historical Commission Atlas
This will link you to the search site with over 300,000 records from every county in Texas. It also has detailed maps. Enter the site and pick the county you want to search for data on historical markers, historic registered places, courthouses, and even sawmills!


Letters to a Cowlady

Before we had the internet, cell phones, and computer... folks used a pencil or pen, paper, envelopes, and stamps to communicate long distances from each other. Here is an example of little girls in the late 1940's writing letters and hoping that someone in Texas would receive them.

Click here to read more!