In what year was the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) established?

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) was established in 1848. This year marks a significant point in the history of the state’s penal system, laying the foundation for corrections in Texas. The TDCJ was created to manage the state's correctional institutions, parole, and probation systems.

The establishment in 1848 reflects a response to the growing need for organized correctional facilities as Texas continued to develop in the 19th century. It was a time when societal changes, population growth, and the need for structured law enforcement required a formal agency to oversee correctional practices.

Understanding the historical context of the TDCJ's formation is crucial, as it reveals how the state's approach to criminal justice has evolved over time. The other years listed do not correspond to the establishment of the TDCJ, as they fall outside the period when modern corrections were initiated in Texas.