Texas Genealogy

USA (1,379,301) > Texas (60,617)

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Overview of Texas records

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Overview of Texas Genealogy Records

• History: Texas was first settled in 1682 but had few settlers until 1821 when it became part of Mexico. From 1836 to 1845, it was the Republic of Texas, and in 1845 it became a U.S. state. It was a Confederate state during the Civil War from 1861-1865.
• Birth records: A few cities and towns in Texas began recording births as early as 1873. Statewide registration of births began in 1903. Copies of recent birth certificates can be obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Marriages: Marriage records were kept by the government in Texas starting in 1836. Copies of marriage records from 1837 to 1966 can be obtained from the clerk of the county where the marriage license was issued. Copies of marriage certificates from 1968 and later can be obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Deaths: A few cities and towns in Texas began recording deaths as early as 1873. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1903. Copies of recent death certificates can be obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Divorces: Divorce records before 1968 were kept by district clerks in the individual counties. After 1968, divorce records can be obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Census: The first federal census available for Texas is 1820. There are federal censuses publicly available for 1820 (listed with Arkansas), 1830 (listed with Arkansas), 1850 (partial), 1860 (partial), 1870 (partial), 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950. There was a colonial census taken in 1835.
• Naturalization records: Naturalization records were kept by the district court clerk.
• County records: Court, land, probate, and tax records were kept at the county level.
• Other records: Many cities and towns had newspapers, records kept by churches, cemeteries, histories, school, city directories, and other records that can be located on the city pages on this site. Records specific to minority groups can be found in the Minority Records section.
• All records: Online indexes and images of many of the above records can be found by using the links on this site.