A number of archives have historical reference materials to aid in researching the history of Harris County. Look in both governmental, academic, and private repositories.
Harris County Records
Harris County Archives
http://www.harriscountyarchives.com/
Details:
Permanent and historic records that document the people and government of Harris County are housed and made available for research at the Harris County Archives. For example, HCA holds the records of the Assessor and Collector of Taxes, Medical Examiner (Institute of Forensic Science), Justices of the Peace, County Auditor, Juvenile Probation, Social Services, County Commissioners and County Judges in addition to private manuscript collections. The collections include maps, scrapbooks, videos, microfilm, case files, photographs, paper and bound materials. Research is by appointment.
Harris County Clerk
http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/
Details:
The county clerk maintains the records of the Commissioners Court, Probate Courts and County Civil Courts at Law and records vital documents such as property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, birth and death records, and the records of the probate and civil county courts. As chief election officer, maintains records of election results. The records are available on the 3rd floor of the Civil Courthouse, 301 Caroline on microfilm. The historical records can be accessed at 11525 Todd Street, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77055.
Harris County District Clerk
http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/
Details:
The district clerk is responsible for the court records for 59 District Courts and 15 County Criminal Courts, summoning juries to the jury pool, and child support collection. The district clerk also must account for all money and resources that funnel through the courts. They maintain an historic documents research room on the 2nd floor of the Civil Courthouse, 301 Caroline. Call for an appointment.