The Texas Department of Insurance, Statistics and History was created by an act of the 15th Legislature and began operations on September 1, 1876. As its name implies, the duties of the Department were varied. From the Comptroller, it took over the regulation of insurance companies and agents; it was to obtain and publish statistics "relating to the population, wealth and general resources of the State;" it was to collect and classify historical materials; and, the State Library was placed under its control. The 20th Legislature in 1887 added Agriculture to the Department's name and furthered its duties to include the collection and publication of statistics regarding agriculture. The Geological Survey, which existed from 1888 to 1894, was also placed under the Department of Agriculture, Insurance, Statistics and History. The State Banking Department was created by the 29th Legislature in 1905 and placed under the Department. Finally, in 1907, the 30th Legislature created the Department of Insurance and Banking and the Department of Agriculture. The State Library was transferred to the newly legislated Library and Historical Commission in 1909.
From the guide to the Records, 1856, [1880?]-1908, (bulk 1888-1898), (Repository Unknown)
