History of Texas Historical Markers
As of the end of 2020, I am an undergraduate in Biomedical Engineering. The reason why I got into Texas historical markers was in the 10th grade, my world history teacher had a project in which we had to go to a Texas historical marker every six weeks, take a picture, and then write a short essay about it. In the entire school year, we did six essays and because of that, I am a Texas history buff.
What is the Texas Historical Commission?
The Texas Historical Commission was created in 1909 along with the Texas State Library to collect and mark historic sites and houses related to Texas history and to preserve these relics. There are now more than 16,000 state historical markers in Texas.
What are the different types of historical sites?
- Courthouses
There are 254 counties in Texas with each containing one courthouse. There are 242 still in active use, with 234 courthouses older than 50 years.
2. National Register Properties
These properties are properties in Texas that have been administered by the National Register of Historic Places federal program by the Texas Historical Commission and National Park Service. These sites are at least 50 years meet established criteria and include buildings, sites, objects, structures, and districts as long as they are considered historically significant to be worthy of preservation.
3. State Antiquities Landmark
States Antiquities Landmark (SALs) are non-federal public lands in the State of Texas that have cultural significance.
4. Historical Markers
There are 7 thematic themes of historical markers. They are listed as African American history, Education, Hispanic history, Texas Revolution, Women’s history, World War I, and Undertold in Texas. Undertold markers are special or priority markers that do not fall into the other themes.
5. Cemeteries
There are roughly 50,000 cemeteries in Texas ranging from single, isolated, or even unmarked graves to large cemeteries containing hundreds of thousands of burials on hundreds of acres.
There are 1706 cemetery designations in the state of Texas with all counties having at least one cemetery with a historical designation.
6. Museums
There are more than 1000 local history museums in Texas alone. Each museum tells a different story unique to each community and unique to Texas.
All in all, I will be documenting as many of these markers in my lifetime. Stay tuned!
