About Us

What is Tejas Quarterly?

Tejas Quarterly is an online journal dedicated to exploring the question: What is Texas? We tell the stories of Texans, by Texans, for Texans.

Why ‘Tejas’?

‘Tejas’ was name for the colonial era Spanish province that we now know as the modern State of Texas. The word ‘tejas’ itself is derived from a Caddoan word originally used by people in the Hasinai Confederacy of eastern Texas to mean “allies”, and which the Spanish took to mean “friends”.

To be friends often suggests some form of mutual affection between two people. Former enemies can become friends, and friends can become enemies. To be friendly toward someone does not even require that two people identify as friends. Regardless of the circumstances, a good friend is someone who listens to and supports us, who laughs or cries with us while also holding our feet to the fire. Friends want the best for us, and sometimes being a good friend requires some tough love.

Our Mission

Here at Tejas Quarterly, we are committed to illuminating and interrogating the idea that is Texas. We will listen to those who have a story to share and extend the hand of friendship to all those seeking to making Texas better place for all, lifting up those whose voices are often lost in the clamor and speaking truth to those in power.