Texas Genealogy Resources
Updated
Texas has been part of Spain, Mexico, an independent republic and the United States, and its records reflect every chapter. Land records are especially rich here.
- Texas was part of Mexico until 1836 and an independent republic until 1845, so early records may be in Spanish or held by the Republic of Texas.
- Texas kept its own public lands, so land grants are at the Texas General Land Office, not the federal BLM.
- Statewide birth and death registration began in 1903, though many births weren’t recorded until later.
Start with the big two
FamilySearch
The largest free genealogy site in the world, run as a nonprofit by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A free account is all you need.
- Billions of names in historical records, many with images of the originals
- One shared, free Family Tree that relatives can build together
- The Research Wiki: how-to guides for every state and country
- Free help at thousands of FamilySearch Centers and the library in Salt Lake City
Ancestry
The biggest subscription site, with billions of records, helpful “hints,” and the largest consumer DNA database (AncestryDNA).
- Building a family tree is free; searching most records needs a subscription or free trial
- Strong U.S. census, military, immigration and newspaper collections
- Also owns Newspapers.com, Fold3 and Find a Grave
- Many public libraries offer Ancestry Library Edition free on site
State resources
FamilySearch Research Wiki: Texas
The best free overview of Texas records: what exists, which years, and where to find each one online or in person.
Texas State Library and Archives
Genealogy collections, Confederate pension records, county records on microfilm and research guides.
Texas Vital Statistics
Order birth, death, marriage and divorce records from the state health department.
Texas General Land Office
Spanish, Mexican, Republic and state land grants, plus historic maps, in the GLO archives.
The Portal to Texas History
Free newspapers, photos, maps and county histories from libraries and museums across Texas.
If an ancestor received land in early Texas, the General Land Office file may include a written application that tells you when they arrived and where they came from.
Looking for another state? See Genealogy Resources by State.