The Handbook of Texas, a digital encyclopedia by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), offers free, comprehensive coverage of Texas history, from its earliest inhabitants to the present. With more than 28,000 entries written by historians and experts, the Handbook is continuously expanded through special projects, user suggestions, and scholarly research. Originally published in print in 1952, it transitioned online in 1999, making it one of the first freely accessible digital encyclopedias. Today, it includes thousands of images, videos, and interactive media, engaging millions of users worldwide. Through collaboration with historians and institutions, TSHA ensures the Handbook remains a trusted resource for students, educators, and researchers dedicated to preserving Texas history.
Explore Entries by Topic
Texas Day by Day
Find out what happened today in Texas history.
119 years ago today
189 years ago today
Texans engage Mexican force in battle of Lipantitlán
190 years ago today
Unlock Texas History, One Day at a Time! Dive into 500 years of Texas history with Gary Vliet’s engaging daily reader, Texas on this Day. An expanded second edition is now available!
Get your copy today!Join Us in Preserving & Sharing Texas History with the World!
Handbook Entries
Pageviews a Year
Students Served a Year
Trending Now
Our entries are accessed thousands of times per day from all over the globe. This week's Top 12 Handbook entries include:
Recently Added
Every one of our entries is written, fact-checked, and reviewed by historians. Our 12 newest additions to the Handbook include:
Handbook Help Topics
Whether you have questions about submitting your work or want to know more about the process these links will help guide you.
- Contact Handbook Staff
- Format and Style Guide
- Subject Category Descriptions
- Author Information
- Image Use Disclaimer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Author Agreement Form
- Author Exit Survey
- To suggest a new topic, report an error, propose a new entry, or request an entry revision please use our contact page and select Handbook of Texas staff.
