While Texas land records may seem like an ordinary thing, they actually have a fairly extraordinary background. Their history is as rich and deep as any state in this country and provides an interesting look at how records are compiled, where they came from, and where we are headed.
Interesting Facts Regarding Texas Land Records
While it would be possible to pull out hundreds of interesting tidbits of information regarding Texas land records, here are five of the most interesting:
- The Origins of the General Land Office - Did you know that the first commissioner of the General Land Office was appointed to someone who never ran for the office? In June 1837, Republic president Sam Houston appointed colonist and Texas Revolution hero John P. Borden to the office. He received the appointment by mail and traveled to the capital city of Houston to accept. His first goal was to collect and organize the scattered records of Mexican and Spanish land grants in Texas.
- Different Grants - As the progression of North American discovery moved east to west, so did the settling of Texas. This east to west settlement pattern created distinctive differences in the types of grants shown on county maps. Grants usually have one of the following indicators: T – indicating a Mexican title, 1-4 – indicating different classes of headright, P – indicating a pre-emption grant, and S – indicating school land, with proceeds benefiting the public schools of Texas.
- GLO Homes - The Texas General Land Office has called a number of different buildings home over the years. The first home was on Main Street and Texas Avenue from 1837-1839. Since then, there have been seven different homes, including the current one located in The Stephen F. Austin Building.
- Famous Names - Because soldiers in the War for Independence were viewed as such heroes, they were often given land grants as payment for their service. Famous soldiers like James Bowie, Sam Houston, and David Crockett all received land grants for their participation in major battles.
- Origins of Place Names - While people were given land grants for accomplishing various duties and tasks, local place names don’t always indicate that the person lived in that location. These grants were usually issued through certificate and could be sold or auctioned.
While these five facts have been featured, there are many more interesting pieces of information within the history of Texas land records. For more information, you can always search historical land records and locate files to direct you in your search for facts.
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