Those big gray granite markers you see on the hiway and in cemeteries were erected in 1936 for the Texas Centennial. There are 500 historical markers and 250 grave markers, many of them neglected or vandalized. I have started a new website just for the neglected Texas Centennial markers at
http://www.picturetrail.com/neglected_tx_centennial , explaining a little more about the Centennial and the THC, what kinds of markers to be on the lookout for, and separate albums for the different marker types. I'm still working on it but please take a look. The markers include the Texans in the Civil War, and the sites of the forts and the Battles. Don't ask me for an itemized list, there is none by category but I'm working on it.

This is the letter I received from Bob Brinkman, the man at the Texas Historical Commission in charge of the markers. Please write your state rep to get the law changed, and get the Texas Parks Department and the Highway Department involved.

Sarah,
Thanks for the updated information on Centennial markers. Their condition statewide and continued maintenance has always been a concern, and it’s an issue we’ve been working on in depth for some time now. Responsibility for Centennial markers was given to the State Historic Survey Committee (now THC) in 1953, but we have never had any money, equipment, or dedicated staff to oversee their upkeep. As part of a statewide survey of all 13,000+ markers in 2000, the majority of the Centennial markers were located and photographed, but many that are on private land or which had been moved from their original locations were not found.

TxDOT actively maintains Centennial markers on state highway right of way, but many markers have had no maintenance since their installation. Since we receive no funds to restore, relocate or replace missing parts of Centennial markers, we do rely on individuals and County Historical Commissions to fund the replacement parts and coordinate maintenance of the markers and surrounding grounds. Attached is a replacement part order form. Feel free to distribute copies to local parties interested in restoring the missing stars, wreaths and plaques. We are currently preparing a detailed proposal for our THC Commissioners to be considered at their next quarterly meeting in October. We intend to address several issues concerning Centennial markers which we have encountered or which have been brought to our attention. Thank you for the information compiled on your web site. We may call upon you for more specific examples to include in our report. Contact me if we can be of further assistance.

Bob Brinkman
Coordinator, Historical Markers Program
History Programs Division
Texas Historical Commission
www.thc.state.tx.us
512/463-8769
Bob.Brinkman@thc.state.tx.us