Historical Havens

Exploring Texas Through Its Historical Markers

Probably the most visible program of the THC, historical markers commemorate diverse topics — from the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations and events that changed the course of local and state history to individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations and businesses, military sites, and many more. Age, significance and architectural requirements govern the eligibility of topics and sites when applying for a subject marker, Historic Texas Cemetery marker or a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker. Each new and replacement historical marker includes a $100 application fee that funds special markers to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics and proactively document under-told stories of the state.

The Texas Historical Commission’s Official Historical Markers page has extensive information on the Marker program, including its history, the application and dedication process and replacing and/or moving existing markers.

Finding Historical Markers

The links below are provided for your convenience. Their appearance here does not constitute an endorsement, nor is this list all-inclusive.
1. Texas Historic Sites Atlas, provided by the Texas Historical Commission, is a free, searchable online database that can be searched by keyword, county, map address, address, designation or site name. You can also download data by county.
2. StoppingPoints.com offers a searchable database of national historical markers. Select Texas, then Kaufman County, to display an interactive map showing the locations of markers and a linked list of markers by name.
3. The Historical Marker Database provides a nationwide searchable list of historical markers.

Two recent books are available through bookstores:

1. History Ahead: Stories Beyond the Texas Roadside Markers by Dan K. Utley and Cynthia J. Beeman, 2010, Texas A & M University Press.
2. Why Stop? A Guide to Texas Historical Roadside Markers by Betty Dooley Awbrey, 2005, Taylor Trade Publishing.

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