Historic Maps of Texas | Texapedia Primary Source Collection

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Mexican Texas (1821–1836)

Stephen Austin’s Earliest Map of Texas (1822)

Map of Texas on the eve of the first American colonization, coinciding with the independence of Mexico from Spain.

Texapedia StaffSeptember 19, 2025

Map of Texas Republic 1844

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Primary Sources in Texas History The Republic of Texas

Map of the Republic of Texas (1844)

Map showing the borders, rivers, and major towns of Texas in 1844 during its time as an independent republic.

Texapedia StaffJune 2, 2025

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Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Mexican Texas (1821–1836)Primary Sources in Texas History

Map of Texas Under Mexican Rule in 1833

In the early 1830s, Texas was a northern frontier province of the Mexican Republic, governed as part of the larger state of Coahuila y Tejas.

Texapedia StaffMay 21, 2025

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Primary Sources in Texas History The Courthouse Era (1875-1900)

1891 Railway Map of Texas

The late 19th century was a transformative period for Texas, as the state shifted from its frontier roots into an increasingly industrial and interconnected economy. Railroads played a central role in this transition.

Texapedia StaffJune 15, 2025

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Spanish Texas (1690–1821)

Map of the Spanish Frontier in 1769

Detailed depiction of the settlements of Texas and other northern provinces of New Spain, as well as neighboring Indian tribes.

Texapedia StaffSeptember 15, 2025

Annexation and Statehood (1845-1860)Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas

Map of Texas and the West After the Mexican-American War (1849)

The U.S. acquired vast new territories in the Mexican-American War, pushing its western boundary far beyond the still wild Texas frontier.

Texapedia StaffSeptember 19, 2025

Geography & Demographics Historic Maps of Texas Primary Sources in Texas History Spanish Texas (1690–1821)

Map of American Indian Tribes in Texas in the 1700s

Historical territories of Native tribes in Texas, including the Comanche, Caddo and others

Texapedia StaffJanuary 30, 2025

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The basic nature of humanity is unchanging through the ages. Politics changes, technology, the economy, the environment, culture—all change. Yet humankind tends to repeat the same follies and to forget hard-learned lessons, age after age. For this reason, the ancient book of wisdom known as Ecclesiastes observed, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after” (Eccl. 1:9-11, ESV).

The study of history reminds us of the pitfalls, challenges, and triumphs of our forebears. It is not always a happy story (“All things are full of weariness," Eccles. 1:8), but it is a worthy pursuit for those seeking wisdom. History gives us not only knowledge of the past but also understanding of the present age: how it came to be, the forces that have shaped it, and insights into the nature of humanity itself.

As you explore Texas history, we invite you to imagine yourself living in another age. Try to picture yourself in the shoes of different people—leaders and common folks alike. This is how history becomes more than a ledger of events; its telling and retelling invite us to reflect, imagine, and grow.

There is no single “correct” way to read or write history. Yet beware of idealized versions of the past—simplistic, black-and-white narratives with distinct ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’ often crafted for political ends. Such histories are easy to grasp and may feel morally compelling. But wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from reading history in a simple, idealized way. Instead, try grappling with nuance, search out details, ask probing questions, and consider perspectives that may not align with your own.

History need not be boring. At its best, it is a discipline that sharpens the mind, cultivates empathy, and helps us to know ourselves more deeply.

— Texapedia Staff

Texapedia is not affiliated with any political party, and the articles on this site are written in an encyclopedic tone. Yet a project like this is inherently political in a broader sense: it deals with government and civic life, and our stated mission is to equip citizens with knowledge to “reform what is lacking in their government while conserving what is good about it.”

This sounds simple enough, since we live in an age of abundant knowledge: search engines, AI chatbots, and digital repositories can provide us with reams of information on almost any topic in an instant. Yet many Americans are too distracted to take in any of it. Ours is also an age of addictive social media, viral outrage, and “bingeworthy” entertainment.

There is also a crisis of authority. Americans no longer know who to trust, what information is reliable, and how to separate noise from substance in public discourse. The information environment is chaotic and disputatious. Information is rarely presented in coherent, organized ways that provide context and detail. Instead, many Americans learn about the world around them through TikTok, Instagram reels, 100-word tweets, or cable news sound bites. The nation is more politicized than ever—yet less connected, less communal, less trusting.

Here at Texapedia, we look on these developments with concern. You can read more of our perspective in the essay Toward Civic Renewal: Recovering Sobriety in a Frivolous Age.

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