When the Republic of Texas declared its independence in 1836, it was divided into 23 municipalities, which were the first counties in Texas. These municipalities were established during Spanish and Mexican rule and were located in the southeastern part of the state. As the population increased and the state expanded, more counties were created. The Texas Association of Counties states that the original 23 counties were Austin, Bexar, Brazoria, Colorado, Goliad, Gonzales, Harrisburg (now Harris), Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Milam, Mina (now Bastrop), Nacogdoches, Red River, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Patricio, Shelby, Victoria and Washington.
The Local Records Division of the Texas State Library was created to collect and maintain local government records such as city and county records. In 1845 when Texas became a state, 54 counties were created in West Texas and the Panhandle. This is why these counties are square and rectangular in shape. Some counties have been discontinued or merged with other counties over time.
For example, Cherokee villages were identified in Nacogdoches County and Alabama-Coushatta villages were identified in several counties in southeastern Texas. The Constitution of 1876 established requirements for Texas counties. It is still used as a basis for much of today's state legislation. When Texas sold land to the United States as part of the Compromise of 1850, nine additional counties were added.
Texas is the second largest state in terms of area and population but has 95 more counties than any other state. For genealogists researching in Texas, it is important to search county court records on site as there is no effective substitute for this. Attorney David Brooks who specializes in Texas county government states that Texans need to be close to local governments which are responsible for courts, jails, schools and highways.
