The Texas State Library and Archives Commission began in 1839 when Republic of Texas President Mirabeau Lamar signed into law an act establishing a “national library.” Library and archival functions remained separate until the creation of the Texas Library and Historical Commission in 1909. Maintaining the official history of Texas government, the State Archives includes archival government records dating back to the 18th century, as well as newspapers, journals, books, manuscripts, photographs, historical maps, and other historical resources, as well as maintaining a Federal Depository Library, Texas State Publications Depository, and Genealogy Library.
