View Land Survey Abstract Indices of the Original Land Owners of Fayette County, Texas online at the Fayette County Archives of the USGenWeb Archives Project.The LDS Texas Research Outline includes a discussion of land records, including terminology.
The Texas State Library and Archives has microfilm that you can get through interlibrary loan.
The Texas General Land Office has a web page that you can visit.
Land Grants by Spain and Mexico
Between 1716 and 1836, many large land tracts were granted by Spain and Mexico. From 1823 to 1830 Mexico started a Colonization Policy where each colony had a land office. These land offices were closed in 1835 by the provisional government of Texas prior to the Revolution.
Records of headright grants prior to March 1st, 1936 are at the Texas General Land Office.
Grants by the State Republic of Texas
In February 1837, the Texas General Land Office was established in Austin. Documents available include:
- Headright Grants 1836-1842
- German Emigration Company Contracts 1845-46
- School Lands (April 1874 - present)
- Bounty and Donation Lands 1836-1888
- Confederate Land Scrip Grantees
- Public Lands sold by the Land Office
County Land Records
Private land transfers are handled at the County level and have been recorded by the County Clerk. Microfilm can also be obtained though the Texas State Library and Archives.
