Texas has weathered more than its fair share of nature’s fury, enduring a century of hurricanes, floods, explosions and tornadoes that have left deep scars on communities across the state, according to the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service.

After a tragedy, records from local archives can help us understand how a community understands itself. Here’s some of what we learned following the devastating July 4 flooding in Texas.

Thirteen people are dead and more than 20 people unaccounted for after heavy rain lashed Texas, leading to "catastrophic" flooding. Children are among the dead, and about 23 campers from a summer camp in the area, Camp Mystic, are unaccounted for, said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has taken on the duties of acting governor.