The History of Texas

The principle that all people make history continues to drive the Fourth Edition of our well-loved text, one that considers carefully the different cultures within the state as well as the unique heritage shared by all Texans.

Unlike other surveys of the Lone Star State, The History of Texas goes beyond accounts of well-known figures to consider the lives of ordinary Texans, as seen in the continued and expanded coverage of topics such as agriculture, industrialization, urbanization, economic disparity, migration patterns, and demographic change. Like its predecessors, the Fourth Edition features the history of folklore, music, literature, sports, religion, and other important aspects of Texas culture that help determine the flavor of Texas, past and present.

In response to the feedback of instructors and students alike, this edition has been reedited and revised, making it more accessible to student readers of all levels and representative of the very latest historical research. Additions include broader discussions of American Indian peoples, the activities in Texas of the French explorer La Salle, the lead up to and the battles and other events comprising the Texas Revolution, and the affinity between Texas and southern culture that ensued once the Republic became a state in 1845. In addition, the description of Reconstruction in Texas has been reorganized and simplified to help students grasp better this complex topic. Naturally, the final chapter has—in light of the rapid movements in politics, the economy, and culture—undergone extensive revision, bringing the coverage through the election of 2006.

Still the best-illustrated survey of Texas history, The History of Texas remains the most inclusive, relevant, and up-to-date account of all those who call the Lone Star State home.

Instructor resources are available at