Texas State Agencies | Texapedia

Fence Repair

State Agencies

Texas Department of Agriculture

State agency headed by elected agriculture commissioner

Texapedia StaffNovember 17, 2022

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State Agencies

State Climatologist of Texas

Based at Texas A&M, the state climatologist provides drought data, climate projections, and historical weather analysis to support disaster response, water planning, and infrastructure policy.

Texapedia StaffMay 19, 2025

Construction in the Sunlight

State Agencies

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

TDLR issues licenses to electricians, midwives, and dozens of other professions

Texapedia StaffNovember 21, 2022

lorenzo zavala state library archives building

State Agencies

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Located next to the Texas Capitol, the state archives commission preserves historical records and manages statewide library programs.

Texapedia StaffNovember 20, 2022

TxDot Highway Photo 800x500 1

State Agencies

Texas Department of Transportation

Structure of TxDOT plus facts and trivia about the Texas state highway system

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

data center 800x500 1

State Agencies

Texas Department of Information Resources

Cybersecurity agency supporting other parts of Texas government

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

Civil Law & Procedure State Agencies

Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings

This little-known state agency employs administrative law judges who resolve disputes on regulatory, licensing, and business tax matters.

Texapedia StaffNovember 17, 2022

Sheriffs Deputies on Horseback in Texas

Criminal Justice System State Agencies

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

Although the Texas law enforcement system is highly decentralized, it operates under common licensing standards set by this agency.

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

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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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