Summary
The Vertical Files are an artificial collection of newspaper articles, research articles, historical articles, ephemera, etc., documenting the functions and the records of the General Land Office throughout Texas history organized alphabetically by subject.
Biographical Note
Vertical files in archives are used to provide summary information about a subject that falls within the scope of records collected by said archives. The Texas General Land Office vertical files focus on aspects of Texas history that relate to the land.
The Texas General Land Office Vertical files are, like most archives, the product of research initiated by research questions. When a research question is answered, the paper generated, be it a historical article, a book chapter, etc., is put into a file. Eventually the files become so numerous, a system of organization is imposed.
Scope and Content
The Texas General Land Office Vertical files are, like most archives, the product of research initiated by research questions. When a research question is answered, the paper generated, be it a historical article, a book chapter, etc., is put into a file. Eventually the files become so numerous, a system of organization is imposed.
The Texas General Land Office vertical files contain approximately 300 files. The files are separated into six broad categories.
1. GLO-General: These files are about the functions, records and personnel of the General Land Office throughout it's history.
2. Texas-General: This series is the most voluminous and contains a variety of Texas history subjects; some related directly to the disposition of Texas land and some are just about general Texas history.
3. United States-General: This small series contains information about U.S. history subjects that affected Texas before and after annexation.
4. Mexico-General: This even smaller series is made up of a few files about general Mexican history.
5. Spain-General: This smallest series in the vertical files contains two files of the effect of Spain on its Mexican territory.
6. People-Biographical: This series mixes two types of individuals: well-known historical figures and individuals who acquired land in Texas from the GLO. The historical figures provide summary information for staff and researchers. Research about the individuals who acquired land are largely donated by family members completing genealogical history of that person.
Date
1. GLO-General: These files are about the functions, records and personnel of the General Land Office throughout it's history.
2. Texas-General: This series is the most voluminous and contains a variety of Texas history subjects; some related directly to the disposition of Texas land and some are just about general Texas history.
3. United States-General: This small series contains information about U.S. history subjects that affected Texas before and after annexation.
4. Mexico-General: This even smaller series is made up of a few files about general Mexican history.
5. Spain-General: This smallest series in the vertical files contains two files of the effect of Spain on its Mexican territory.
6. People-Biographical: This series mixes two types of individuals: well-known historical figures and individuals who acquired land in Texas from the GLO. The historical figures provide summary information for staff and researchers. Research about the individuals who acquired land are largely donated by family members completing genealogical history of that person.
1980-2013
Extent
5.00 Linear feet
Language
English
Arrangement
The Vertical Files are arranged hierarchically by the following headings:
1. GLO-General
2. Texas-General
3. United States-General
4. Mexico-General
5. Spain-General
6. People-Biographical
Within each heading the files are arranged alphabetically.
Preferred Citation
1. GLO-General
2. Texas-General
3. United States-General
4. Mexico-General
5. Spain-General
6. People-Biographical
Within each heading the files are arranged alphabetically.
Texas General Land Office Vertical Files (VF). Archives and Records Program, Texas General Land Office, Austin.
Access Restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Use Restrictions
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
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