The Archives of the Big Bend hosts the premier collection of historical materials documenting the unique Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Faculty, staff, and students use the Archives, as well as local, national, and international researchers, both in person and virtually. Its holdings and programs complement those of the Library, the Museum of the Big Bend, and the Center for Big Bend Studies.
Formally established in 1976, the Archives serves researchers working in the subject area of the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas and the corresponding border area of northern Mexico, and has become a standard for that purpose. Common topics of interest include genealogy, area pioneers and industry, general history of the region, and specific projects for scholarly, personal, and business reasons. The Archives of the Big Bend positively affects the local economy due to visiting scholars and heritage tourism.
Today, holdings in the Archives of the Big Bend include over 4,000 linear feet of archival material, and the majority of its holdings are one of a kind and represent the rich and varied culture and history of the unique Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region of far West Texas. The Archives houses the primary photographic repository for the region with more than 50,000 images. The manuscript materials include records and papers of individuals and families, businesses, and organizations. Political papers include those of Henry Bonilla, Pete Snelson, Pete Gallego, and Gene Hendryx. Also included are maps, rare and regional books, periodicals, ephemera, the most complete newspaper archive of the Big Bend, and the University Archives.
The Archives is an invaluable connection between the University and the communities it serves. The Archives of the Big Bend serve an important function for the history of the Trans-Pecos region and the people who have lived and still live here, as well as the history of Sul Ross. We would love for you to visit and support the history of our area of the world.
Dean of Library and Research Technologies,
April Aultman Becker