Research at the Archives
The Texas General Land Office sells research guides highlighting Spanish and Mexican land grants in South Texas and catalogues for the Spanish Collections.
Research tips when visiting the Texas General Land Office Archives:
- Come prepared. When researching an individual or piece of land, consult the Surname Index and the Land Grant Database for initial research first. This will provide a general knowledge of the files that are available and could lead to additional finds while at the Land Office.
- Many documents are available online and in PDF format to download and print for free from the GLO Land Grant Database. If coming in to the Land Office, please bring these prints to assist in additional research.
- Ask research staff to assist you in locating your ancestor’s land grant on the GLO GISweb. This will allow you to see exactly where the land grant is today, in relation to major streets if you are interested in visiting the land.
Reminder: Check Online First!
More than two million of the 35 million documents that are in the Archives and Records of the Texas General Land Office have been scanned and are available online and in full-color PDF format, available for download for free. Almost all maps are available for viewing online, many of them with zooming capability to examine detail.
Additional Texas History Resources
» Texas Archives
- Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC)
- Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin
- Benson Latin American Collection, University of Texas at Austin
- Catholic Archives of Texas
- Austin History Center
- Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo
- Herzstein Library, San Jacinto Museum of History
- St. Mary’s University Special Collections
- Texas A&M University Special Collections
- Texas A&M Corpus Christi Special Collections
- Texas Tech University Southwest Collection
- University of Houston Special Collections
- University of North Texas Archives
- University of Texas at Arlington Special Collections
- University of Texas at El Paso Special Collections
- University of Texas at San Antonio Special Collections
- University of Texas Pan American Special Collections
» Texas Museums
» Texas History Links
» Websites of Primary Source Materials on Texas History
» Resources for Texas History Teachers
» Preservation and Conservation of Archival Materials
» Professional Researchers
Inclusion within this list does not imply endorsement by The General Land Office nor does the Land Office assume responsibility for arrangements made with these researchers. Please contact these researchers directly concerning fees and arrangements.
» Appraisers of Archival Materials
Look under personal property-books and manuscripts.
» Additional Websites Related to Texas History
Kevin Klaus