Researching Texas Architects and Their Works
Bibliographies, Catalogs and Union Lists
Useful Subject headings:
Architecture — United States — Bibliography
Architects — United States — Bibliography
Architecture, Modern — 20th century — United States — Bibliography
Art — Bibliography
Recommended Sources:
-
- American Newspapers, 1821-1936: a union list of files available in the U.S. and Canada. New York: The W.H. Wilson Company, 1937. PN 4836 A447 PCL Reference
- An excellent tool for identifying early U.S. newspapers published in specific geographic locations, this catalog also
indicates where the archives of these publications may be found. Such information is invaluable when searching for
historical articles about building projects, architectural achievements or obituaries. Back volumes of the Gale
Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media (PN 4700 N559 132nd 1998 V. 1-4 PCL Reference) published annually since
1880 (as Ayer Directory of Publications until 1982) can be used to identify more recent U.S. newspapers and other periodical literature.
- Arntzen, Etta. Guide to the literature of art history 2. Chicago, 1980. N 380 A76 Arch. Lib. Reference
- Excellent bibliography covering art and architectural history worldwide, by region and media. Includes general reference sources, primary and secondary sources, periodicals and books in series. Provides author-tile and subject indexes. (For architecture, see chapter J, pages 193-234.)
- Ehresmann, Donald L. Architecture : a bibliographic guide to basic Reference works, histories, and handbooks. Littleton, Colo., 1984.
NA 2520 E38 1984 Arch. Lib. Reference
- Includes general works on the history of architecture, arranged by period. Also includes landscape architecture and "city design."
- Karpel, Bernard. Arts in America : a bibliography. Washington, 1979. NX 503 A1 A777 Vols. 1-4 Arch. Lib. Reference
- Annotated bibliography, by media, including architecture. Useful lists of serials and periodicals, dissertations and theses, visual resources. Indexed.
- Marmor, Max. Guide to the literature of art history. Chicago, 2005.
N 380 M374 2005 Arch. Lib. Reference
- Supplements and updates the 1980 guide by Etta Arntzen and Robert Rainwater. (Chapter J, pages 235-310 is architecture).
- Wodehouse, Lawrence. American Architecture. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1977. NA 705 W622 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- This two-volume work is a part of Gale’s Art and Architecture Information Series.
The volumes divide coverage from the Civil War to World War I and from World War I to the present, respectively. Each is organized alphabetically and lists (1) general Reference works on American architects and their work, (2) biographies of American architects and firms, and (3) significant architects about whom, little has been written. A general index and a geographic index are provided.
Indexes
Useful Subject headings:
Architecture — Periodicals — Indexes — Databases
Architecture — Periodicals — Indexes
Art — Periodicals — Indexes
Art — Abstracts — Periodicals
Archaeology — Abstracts — Periodicals
Archives — United States — Directories
Historic buildings — United States — Conservation and Restoration — Periodicals — Indexes
Manuscripts — United States — Indexes
Recommended Sources:
- Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
- The Avery Index was begun by the Avery Architectural Library at Columbia University in 1934 and has indexed some of the earliest journals back to the 1860's. It is the foremost periodicals index for architecture and related disciplines, covering over 1,000 periodicals published worldwide. Search the index using building names, architect names, place names or building types.
Some examples of Subject Words for searching the Avery Index are:
[Name of city](Tex.) — Domestic architecture
[Name of city](Tex.) — Housing
[Name of city](Tex.) — [Name of house]
[Name of city](Tex.) — [Name of building]
[Houses or Buildings] — United States — [Name of city](Texas)
- Archives USA (Chadwyck-Healey)
- This database provides name and subject indexing of thousands of United States repositories. The index lists the repository name, address, telephone and fax numbers, email address and URL. Also included are names, subjects and brief descriptions of collections including architectural archives. Archives USA integrates three earlier information resources: DAMRUS (Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories in the United States), NUCMC (National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections), and NIDS (National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United States).
Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
Useful Subject headings:
Architecture — United States — Dictionaries
Architecture — United States — Encyclopedias
Texas — Encyclopedias
Recommended Sources:
- Dictionary of Art Online
- A comprehensive encyclopedia with articles on architecture, artists, periods, sites, styles and more. Includes
articles on Houston, Dallas and several Texas architects. Includes bibliographies of recommended readings.
- Handbook of Texas Online (TSHA)
- Includes a detailed article by Willard B. Robinson titled "Architecture" that chronicles the variety and development of
architecture in Texas. It takes us from native/pre-colonial dwellings to the development of Modern styles.
This article includes an extensive bibliography and a list of related topics.
The Handbook of Texas Online includes signed, well written articles on over 23,000 topics (hundreds relevant
to architecture in the state), each with excellent bibliographies. The keyword "architecture" brings up 336 entries.
Articles are provided for architects such as: Frederick Ernst Ruffini, Nicholas Joseph Clayton, Cass Gilbert, James
Riely Gordon, Paul Philippe Cret, John Fanz Staub, and Harwell Hamilton Harris. There are also entries on architectural styles
and specific architectural sites.
- Hunt, William Dudley Jr., ed. Encyclopedia of American Architecture. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1980. NA 705 H 86 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- A single-volume dictionary with extensive entries on elements, periods, styles and other aspects of architecture.
Also listed are types of buildings and individual architects. Indexed and illustrated.
Directories
Useful Subject headings:
American Institute of Architects — Directories
Architectural firms — United States — Directories
Architectural practice — United States — Directories
Architectural historians — United States — Directories
Architects — United States — Directories
Texas — Architects — Directory
Art — United States — Directories
Architects — Texas — [Name of City] — Directories
Historic sites — Texas — Directories
Recommended Sources:
- International Archive of Women in Architecture Biographical Database
Compiled by the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA), this database's focus is on historical rather
than on currently practicing women architects. Includes links to inventories of IAWA archival collections. This database can be searched by state, and features several Texas architects.
- Profile: The Sourcebook of U.S. Architectural Design Firms. Atlanta, GA: Construction Market Data, 1996-. NA 53 P76 Arch. Lib. Latest Volume Reference.
Published biannually from 1978 to 1994 and annually since 1995, this current directory of members of the American Institute of Architects is arranged alphabetically by state and then by firm name. The brief entries, generated by member response, provide addresses (including web site url's) and list staff, services offered, important works and primary focus. It contains separate indexes organized according to firm, specialization, key individuals and consultants. The volume is a very useful tool in tracking or identifying a firm that might have useful records of a member architect’s work projects.
Publishers of AIA-sanctioned directories have changed through the years. Official affiliation with AIA is identified, however, in the volume and usually in the library’s catalog. All were generated through member response.
The first such architectural directory, of national scope, was included in the 1900-01 edition (Volume 3) of American Art Annual (N 50 A54 Reference FAL) published by the American Federation of Arts in Washington D.C. A "Directory of Architects" was included in the biannual publication, through the 1924-25 edition (Volume 21). At The University of Texas at Austin, these volumes may be found at the Fine Arts Library.
Next, R. R. Bowker published the first official American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) directory, in 1956. This American Architects Directory (NA 53 A37 1st - 3rd Arch. Lib. Reference) was published in 1956, 1962, and 1970.
Also, the Directory of Historic American Architectural Firms (NA 53 A514 APL) may be accessed, by appointment. Published by the American Institute of Architects Foundation in 1979, this volume may be quite useful.
Finally, in an attempt to fill the obvious "gaps" in coverage, one might consult regional, local, or other unique retrospective architectural directories, by using the subject headings suggested above.
For a thorough search of a particular architect, one must peruse all the older directories covering the practicing life of that architect. This is the way to track the practice of an architect geographically and from firm to firm.
Finally, be aware that many local (city) chapters of AIA publish their own individual directories, such as the American Institute of Architects - Houston’s AIA Houston Professional Directory (NA 53 A55A 1993/94 Arch. Lib. Reference).
- Steely, James Wright, comp. A Catalog of Texas Properties in the National Register of Historic Places. Austin, TX: Texas Historical Commission, 1984. F 387 581 Arch. Lib. Reference & CAH.
- Includes an interesting introduction to National Register "types of properties" and discusses the "criteria
for listing." It is organized alphabetically by county and then by town within each county. Entries include known architects,
as well as selected photographs and an index. More current information may be found at the National Register web site, http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/.
Biographical Sources
Useful Subject headings:
African American Architects
Architects — Biography
Architecture, Modern — 20th Century
Architecture — Study and teaching (Higher) -- Texas
Architects —Texas — Biography
Architects — Texas — [city name] — Biography
University of Texas at Austin — buildings — exhibitions
University of Texas at Austin — history — exhibitions
Women Architects
Recommended Sources:
- Emanuel, Muriel, ed. Contemporary Architects. New York: St. James Press, 1994. NA 680 C6 1994. Arch. Lib. Reference
- Provides signed articles about noted architects. Entries include a list of works and exhibitions, bibliographies of recommended readings by and about the architects, as well as photographs.
Many architects have also contributed statements about their work.
This edition also refers readers to articles available in the first two editions. Architects are indexed geographically by their major works.
- Hafertepe, Kenneth. Abner Cook, Master Builder on the Texas Frontier. Austin: Texas State Historical Association, 1992. NA 737 C66 H3 1992 Arch. Lib.
- An example of a book about the life and work of one of Texas' most well known architects. Abner Cook (1814-1884) was a master of the Greek Revival style, popular during the middle of the Nineteenth Century. Among his
works, still standing, are the widely acclaimed Texas Governor’s Mansion and Woodlawn (the Pease Mansion) — both in Austin
and dating from the 1850s. The volume includes photographs and drawings and is well indexed.
- Placzeck, Adolf K., editor-in-chief. Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects. New York: The Free Press, 1982. NA 40 M25 1982 V.1-4 Arch. Lib. Reference
- This 4-volume set is the most comprehensive dictionary of architects. Global in scope, signed articles discuss notable architects who were born
as late as 1930. Entries include bibliographies, lists of works and may also include photographs. A very useful glossary, chronology,
and index to works are provided. Two examples of "Texas" architects included in this source are James Riely Gordon (1863-1937,) and
John F. Staub (1892-1981,)
- Reese, Carol McMichael. Paul Cret at Texas. Austin: Hart Graphics, 1983. NA 737 C74 M337 Arch. Lib. Reference, Arch. Lib, CAH, FAC
- An example of a book about the Texas projects of a nationally significant architect. This volume is an account of the work of Paul Cret and his Master Plan for The University of Texas at Austin. Cret is responsible for the design of "the Tower" and many other important buildings seen on the campus today. Includes photographs and architectural drawings.
Handbooks, Manuals and Sourcebooks
Useful Subject headings:
Historic Preservation — United States — Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Historic Preservation — United States — Societies, etc. — Directories
Historic Buildings — United States — Conservation and Restoration — Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Historic Buildings — United States — Conservation and Restoration — Bibliography
Historic Buildings — United States — Conservation and Restoration — Societies, etc. -- Directories
Recommended Sources:
- National Trust for Historic Preservation, Maddex, Diane, general editor. Landmark Yellow Pages. Washington D.C.: Preservation Press, 1990. E 159 L28 1990 Arch. Lib. Reference & PCL.
- This directory, mostly superceded by Preservation Yellow Pages, is included because pages 100 and 101 detail a step by step guide to researching a building’s history not found in the newer edition.
- Preservation Yellow Pages: The Complete Information Source for Homeowners, Communities and Professionals. Edited by Julie Zagars. New York: Wiley, 1997. E159P73 1997 Arch. Lib. Reference
- This indexed directory of state-by-state resources lists addresses, facts, figures and organizations of interest to those engaged in architectural preservation.
- Texas Society of Architects Committee on Historic Resources. The Texas Historical Preservation Manual. Dallas: Texas Society of Architects, 1977. NA 105 493 1977 Arch. Lib. Reference & CAH.
- Included because of its excellent bibliography. Almost everyone who has ever written about Texas Architecture is cited.
The first sections/chapters of the manual give accounts of the contributions of each period and/or ethnic group in the development of
Texas architecture.
Guidebooks
Useful Subject headings:
Architecture — [Name of city]
Architecture — [Name of city] (Tex.)
Architecture — Texas —[Name of city] -- History
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Buildings, structures, etc.
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Historic houses, etc.
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Buildings, structures, etc. — Guidebooks or Guide Books
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Guidebooks
Architecture — Texas — [Name of city] -- Guidebooks
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Description — Guidebooks or Guide Books
Buildings — Texas — [Name of city]
Historic districts — Texas — [Name of city] — Guidebooks or Guide Books
Texas — Description and travel — Guide-books
Architecture — United States — Guide books
Recommended Sources:
- American Institute of Architects, Houston Chapter and Stephen Fox. Houston Architectural Guide. Houston: AIA, Houston Chapter: Herring Press, Austin, Tex., 1990. NA 735 H68 F69 1990 Arch. Lib. Reference CAH.
- Local chapters of AIA publish these excellent guidebooks for most major cities. They are all organized in a
similar fashion and often include photographs, maps and even suggested tour routes. The Houston guide is divided into sections
of the city and takes us, address by address, to significant structures within the city and lists pertinent data
Use various subject headings above to find guidebooks for the city in which you are interested. Also, be aware that there are similar architectural guidebooks published by historical societies and organizations, other than AIA chapters — such as the Galveston Architecture Guidebook (NA 735 G35 B43 1996 Arch. Lib. Reference).
- Writers' Program of the Work Projects Administration in the State of Texas. Texas, A Guide to the Lone Star State. New York: Hastings House, 1969. F 391 W95 CAH & PCL
- Originally compiled in 1940, by the Federal Writers’ Program of the Work Projects Administration, this volume is divided into
four sections. The WPA was a depression-era program to create employment through public works. This source includes sections
entitled "Texas: Yesterday and Today," "Fifteen Texas Cities," "Along the States Highways — 29
Tours," and "Appendices" (includes glossary, chronology, selected reading list of Texas Books and an index).
Architectural points of interest, identified throughout the work, include great houses and significant public buildings.
Details include information about the architect and builder when it is known. One of these guides was produced
for each state.
- Smith, G. E. Kidder. The Architecture of the United States. Garden City, NY: Anchor Press, 1981. NA 705 S578 V.1-3 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- A three-volume work, this illustrated guide lists notable contemporary and historic structures that are open to the public.
A brief history of the project is provided, as is information about the architect when it is available. The volumes cover the following geographic areas: "New England and the Mid-Atlantic States;" "The South and Midwest;" and "The Plains States and Far West." The work is well indexed by individual name, project and place. There are nearly 100 pages of Texas architectural treasures, under "The Plains States and Far West." G. E. Kidder Smith has also authored a two-volume work entitled Architecture in America (NA 705 S58 Arch. Lib. Reference) that has coverage of Texas, with excellent photographs, under the "Southwest" section.
Histories, Surveys and Miscellaneous Publications
Useful Subject headings:
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Historic houses, etc.
Architecture, Domestic — Texas
Architecture, Modern — 19th century — Texas
Architecture, Modern — 20th century — Texas
Architecture — Texas
Public — Texas
Texas Society of Architects
Architects — Texas
[Name of city] (Tex.) — Buildings
Architecture — Texas — [Name of city]
Architecture — Texas — Pictorial works
Architecture — [Name of city] Tex. or Texas
Recommended Sources:
- Alexander, Drury Blakeley. Texas Homes of the Nineteenth Century. Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1966. NA 7235 T4 A54 Arch. Lib. Reference & PCL.
- A pictorial survey of Texas residential architecture. The plates are followed by a section of numbered descriptions written by Professor Blake Alexander, a well-respected authority on Texas Architecture. The book is divided by periods with architects listed and discussed, when known. A companion volume, Texas Public Buildings of the Nineteenth Century, by Willard Robinson, is cited below.
- Henry, Jay C. Architecture in Texas, 1895 — 1945. Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1993. NA 730 T5 H46 1993 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- This is the most comprehensive survey of Texas architecture history. Chapters discuss architectural styles prevalent in Texas
during this period, and review significant Texas architects and their works. The book is illustrated with photographs and has an
excellent bibliography. Buildings, places, building types, and architects are indexed.
- Robinson, Willard Bethurem. Texas Public Buildings of the Nineteenth Century. Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1974. NA 730 T5 R62 1974 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- A companion to Blake Alexander’s book on homes. This survey is also organized with pictorial plates followed by numbered descriptions. Willard Robinson is another well-respected authority on Texas Architecture.
- Smith, Hank Todd. Since 1886, A History of The Texas Society of Architects. Austin: Texas Society of Architects, 1983. NA 11 S647 1983 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- This is a history of the development of Texas' professional association of architects. Included are many pictures of people
and buildings, lists of charter members and society presidents, lists of related groups and Texas AIA Fellows, as well as a useful
bibliography — a plethora of information on Texas Architecture history. It provides a chronology of the organizations that
formed the Texas Association of Architects and the development of professional standards for architectural practice in Texas.
- Southwest Center for Urban Research and Rice University. Houston Architectural Survey, 1980. NA 735 H6 H687 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- This six-volume work divides the city of Houston into five geographic areas and surveys historical structures in each.
Known architects are identified. Also included, are National Register entries, a list of References and indexes by name,
chronology, and architect. There is a similar source for Tarrant County (Fort Worth).
- Speck, Lawrence W. Landmarks of Texas Architecture. Austin: The University of Texas Press, 1986. NA 730 T5 S64 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- A very useful source featuring the author's selection of Texas "landmark" buildings. The authoritative text is complemented with full-page color photographs. Information about architects is included when available.
- Tomlinson, Doug and David Dillon. Dallas Architecture, 1936 to 1986. Austin: Texas Monthly Press, 1985. NA 735 D2 T65 1985 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- A historical overview of the development of Dallas architecture from the Texas Centennial to the Sesquicentennial.
It includes black-and-white photographs, an ample index and profiles of several prominent Dallas Architects. Includes chapters on planning and on Historic Preservation in Dallas.
- Williamson, Roxanne Kater. Austin, Texas, An American Architectural History. San Antonio: Trinity University Press, 1973. NA G735 A88 W5 Arch. Lib. Reference.
- This volume is a chronologically arranged account of the city’s architectural history from its founding to the 1970's. Discusses city planning, architectural styles and individual buildings. Features maps, drawings, photographs and includes an index, bibliography and chronological list of significant buildings.
Theses
A standard keyword search in the Library Catalog brings up theses, along with all other pertinent items. One may, however, use the library catalog's
Advanced Search page to limit searches to specific material types of interest. With the new catalog, one may also simply include "thesis" in the keyword search. It is evident by the individual record's call number if it is a thesis or dissertation.
U.T. Austin users also have access to ProQuest Dissertaions and Theses - Full Text, a database of more than 2 million doctoral dissertations and master's theses.
Full text is available for most titles written after 1997. Coverage goes back to 1861.
U.T. Theses and Dissertations are a Special Collection of the University of Texas Libraries.
Periodicals
Useful Subject headings:
Architecture — Periodicals
Architecture — United States — Periodicals
Architecture — Texas — Periodicals
Historic buildings — United States — Periodicals
Historic sites — United States — Periodicals
Historic preservation — United States -- Periodicals
Recommended Sources:
- "Texas." Architectural Review. V. 164, No. 981. London: Architectural Press Ltd., Nov. 1978. 720.5 AR 25L V. 164 1978 Arch. Lib.
- The entire November, 1978 issue of this British journal is devoted to Texas architecture. The sections include: seven of the most prominent early architects; contemporary Texas houses and their designers; an overview of Houston’s rapid growth; highlights of public buildings in the state; and a discussion of the historical influences upon Texas’ architecture. Profusely illustrated with photographs.
- Connally, Ernest Allen. "Texas Architecture." Historic Preservation: Quarterly of the National Council of Historic Sites and Buildings. V. 16, No. 6. Washington D.C.: The Council, 1964. E151 H5 V. 16-17 1964/65 Arch. Lib.
- This eight-page article has nine black and white photographs and is based on a speech, by Connally, at the Eighteenth Annual Meeting and Preservation Conference of the National Trust, San Antonio. The article traces the origins of Texas' European architectural traditions to early colonial settlements. The author surveys 18th and 19th century buildings and the Anglo-American "overlay" on this former Spanish and Mexican province. Three examples of Nineteenth Century Texas architects discussed in the article are Richard Upjohn, John Roebling and Frank Freeman.
- "Fifty Years of Texas Architecture." Texas Architect. V. 39, No. 6. Austin: Texas Society of Architects, 1989. 720.5 T311 V. 39 1989 Arch. Lib.
- Texas Architect is the official journal of The Texas Society of Architects (state affiliate of the American Institute of Architects). The article, subtitled "Fifty Significant Architects from the Last Fifty Years",
highlights fifty of the most prominent Texas architects with signed articles about them and the history of their firms.
A foldout timeline tracks these firms from their beginnings (long before the 1939 creation of The Texas Society of Architects)
through the 1980's.
Other Important Resources
Professional Associations of Architects
Professional associations can be important sources of information. Some maintain written histories, past and current membership directories, periodicals, handbooks, and files of archives of past and current members.
Lists of an architect’s projects and clients are often maintained. Association staff or officers might know of a "living Reference" or expert who might be contacted. Oral information can be invaluable. Two important organizations and their chapters are:
- The Texas Society of Architects (TSA)
- The Texas Society of Architects is the professional association for
architects practicing in Texas. Its journal is Texas Architect (720.5 T311 Arch. Lib.). It is the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA),
headquartered in Washington D.C. The AIA's journal was Architecture (NA 1 A326 Arch. Lib.) until December, 1996. Architectural Record (NA 1 A6 Arch. Lib.) became the official AIA journal in January, 1997. Individual cities also support separate chapters of the American Institute of Architects. These local chapters often compile and publish the "AIA Guidebook" for their particular city.
- The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH)
- The Society of Architectural Historians is an international organization that promotes the study and preservation of the built environment.
Its website links to local chapters. It publishes a series of books on the architecture of individual states of the U.S.
("Buildings of the United States"). Its journal is The Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians (720.906 SO 13J).
Texas Chapter publications (no longer published) include Perspective (NA 1 P767 Arch. Lib.) and a newsletter, Specs
(shelved by title in the Arch. Lib.).
Archival Repositories and Special Collections
- Alexander Architectural Archive
- This archival repository, part of the Architecture and Planning Library, preserves over 90 collections,
comprised of drawings, papers, photographs, models, journals and ephemera. Over 75 significant Texas architects are represented.
"Finding aids" for the collections held in the archive are searchable through the Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO) web site.
It is advisable to thoroughly explore the web site before visiting the archive. One must make an appointment by calling (512) 495-4621 in order to view materials in the archive.
- Center for American History
- The Center's Research and Collection Division is located on the U.T. campus inside Richardson Hall. The Center houses
The Eugene C. Barker Texas History Collection, the most extensive collection
of books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, photographs and recordings related to Texas. The Collection includes vertical files on
counties, towns, families, and individuals, and indexes to manuscripts, newspapers, and photographs.
The Center also houses The University of Texas Archives, comprised of administrative papers of University of Texas Departments and personal papers of leading academics. The Center's finding aids are also searchable through the TARO web site.
- The Texas Historical Commission and its Library
- This agency's mission is focused on historic preservation. They maintain an online database, Texas Historic Site Atlas
which indexes information on over 200,000 historic and archaeological Texas sites.
- Among the many fine Commission publications, is Texas Preservation Guidelines. Remembering Texas: Guidelines for Historical Research. This 15 page pamphlet, reprinted in 1998, explains the criteria, research methods and documentation necessary to apply for an Official Texas Historical Marker or listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The three invaluable appendices are "Sources of Information," "Research Collections," and an "Annotated Bibliography." For information on how to obtain this, or other THC publications, visit the web site listed above.
The Commission's Library is housed in the historic former Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 1510 Congress avenue in Austin.
Call (512) 463-5753 to make an appointment with the librarian. The special resources available at the library include Registered Historic Landmarks,
National Register properties, and state survey information. The National Register files include information about all Texas nominations. The National Register of Historic Places is administered by the National Park Service.
- The Texas State Library and Archives
- Most State Library offices and collections are located in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building,
1201 Brazos Street, east of the Texas State Capitol Building. The library maintains an online catalog and searchable indexes to selecte archival holdings.
Its archival finding aids are searchable through TARO. The Texas State Archive, a division of the Library,
preservs and documents the heritage and culture of Texas.
Official records of Texas government and other significant historical resources are collected.
The Archives include, but are not limited to, records from probate court, county court, office of tax assessment, the county clerk (concerning real property), as well as
town plats, street maps and plans of forts, missions, etc. These are all well indexed and cross-Referenced. Archival holdings in the area of architecture include
drawings of the Texas State Capitol, most state building projects (especially during the time of the Works Projects Administration in the 1930's), and the bulk of the
Ruffini Collection.
The Genealogical Collection, (512) 463-5463, housed at the library and supported by the Austin Genealogical Society, might also be useful. It holds some family, county and city histories.
For further information, please call (512) 463-5455 or peruse the detailed web site.
- The Austin History Center
- The Austin Public Library's Austin History Center, on 9th Street and Guadalupe, can be reached at (512) 974-7480.
The Center's holdings are listed in the Austin Public Library's Online Catalog,
linked to on their web site. The Center holds over 60,000 architectural drawings and documents from projects designed
by over 150 local firms.
These are indexed by names of property owners, original project client, architect and street address. The collection includes files of clippings,
old city directories, photographs, site plans and maps of hundreds of building projects in the area. The Center also maintains files on individual street addresses in the city,
a local newspaper archive and the all-important collection of property ownership/title abstracts. The Center also provides a pathfinder, "Real Property Information Sources at the Austin History Center."
Local history centers are maintained in all Texas Cities and some smaller towns. The Alexander Archive at The Unversity of Texas at Austin, keeps a file of other specific local centers within the state.
- County Record Archives
- County files/archives will often hold such items as tax rolls and assessments (with improvement descriptions),
title abstracts, court minutes, requests for bids, records of competition for courthouse and other public building designs, brochures about the competition or the project itself and even plans and/or specifications. In some cases, records of litigation among builders, architects and clients have been preserved. Contact the county clerk in the pertinent county seat. Also, check the holdings of the Texas State Library (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ ), UT’s Center for American History (http://www.cah.utexas.edu/), and The Texas Historical Commission (http://www.thc.state.tx.us/), all described above, for county/city records/archives and newspaper archives.
Newspapers
- Newspapers may yield accounts of major building projects and the architects who were involved, as well as valuable
obituaries of architects and clients. Holdings of newspaper archives, as well as chronological evolutions of specific newspapers
can be found in American Newspapers, 1821-1936: A Union List of Files in the United States and Canada, (-Q- PN 4836 A447
PCL Reference). One may also check with the pertinent local history center or the office of the newspaper, if it is still in operation.
The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for American History holds a great many newspaper archives for Texas and other parts of the Southwest.
U.T. Austin users may also check the News and Newspapers site for electronic access to newspapers and newspaper indexes.
