H.P.N. Gammel's The Laws of Texas, 1822-1897 has long been one of the most important primary resources for the study of Texas' complex history during the Nineteenth Century. His monumental compilation charts Texas from the time of colonization through to statehood and reveals Texas' legal history during crucial times in its development. The Laws consist of documents not only covering each congressional and legislative session but comprise other documents of significance, including the constitutions, select journals from the constitutional conventions, and early colonization laws.

Currently, access to The Laws of Texas is difficult, especially given the rarity and condition of The Laws and in view of the fact that early Texas documents are likely to be held in restricted circulation areas. These materials have been converted into digital form, loaded onto the University of North Texas Libraries' Web servers, and made available to researchers throughout the world.