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Constitutions of Texas Legal History The Courthouse Era (1875-1900)

The Constitutional Convention of 1875

The convention dismantled the Reconstruction political order and enshrined principles of localism and limited government that lasted for generations.

Texapedia StaffAugust 27, 2025

Second Texas State Capitol building as seen in an historic photograph taken in 1875.

Texas History The Reconstruction Era (1865–1874)

The 1873 Coke–Davis Election Dispute

Surrounded by armed men and refusing to concede defeat, Governor Edmund Davis barricaded himself in the Capitol, touching off one of the most dramatic political standoffs in Texas history.

Texapedia StaffJuly 16, 2025

Governor Richard Coke

Primary Sources in Texas History Speeches & Addresses The Reconstruction Era (1865–1874)

The Redeemer Triumph: Richard Coke’s 1874 Inaugural Address

Verbatim transcript of Governor Richard Coke’s 1874 inaugural address, with historical context and explanatory notes.

Texapedia StaffSeptember 11, 2025

Biography Governors of Texas The Civil War

Francis Lubbock: Confederate Governor of Texas

A secessionist and zealous supporter of the Confederacy, Lubbock embraced authoritarian wartime measures, suppressing dissent and condoning extrajudicial killings of suspected Unionists.

Texapedia StaffJuly 13, 2025

Biography Governors of Texas The Courthouse Era (1875-1900)

John Ireland: Governor in the Wild West Era

From 1883 to 1887, John Ireland governed Texas during a period of westward expansion, land disputes, mass immigration, and frontier violence.

Texapedia StaffJuly 17, 2025

Biography Governors of Texas The Courthouse Era (1875-1900)

Oran M. Roberts: Jurist-Governor of Post-Reconstruction Texas

Roberts imposed strict fiscal policy after Reconstruction and helped establish the University of Texas Law School.

Texapedia StaffJuly 13, 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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