| Official Texas Historical Markers |
The most visible program of the Texas Historical Commission seen along the roads of Texas, historical subject 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. Subject markers are solely educational and reveal aspects of local history that are important to a community or region. A subject marker is placed at a site that has a historical association with the topic, but no restriction is placed on the use of the property or site. No legal designation is required for a subject marker. |
| Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks |
Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs) are properties judged to be historically and architecturally significant. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards RTHL designation to buildings at least 50 years old that are judged worthy of preservation for their architectural and historical associations. RTHL is a legal designation and comes with a measure of protection; it is the highest honor the state can bestow on a historic structure, and the designation is required for this type of marker. Purchase and display of a historical marker is a required component of the RTHL designation process. Owners of RTHL-designated structures must give the THC 60 days notice before any alterations are made to the exterior of the structure. Unsympathetic changes to these properties may result in removal of the designation and historical marker. To nominate a property, the owner’s consent is required. |
| State Antiquities Landmarks |
State Antiquities Landmarks are designated by the Texas Historical Commission and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas. Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is a prerequisite for State Antiquities Landmark designation of a building. State Antiquities Landmark designation stipulates that the property cannot be removed, altered, damaged, salvaged or excavated without a permit from the THC. This designation encourages preservation and ensures that resources that cannot be preserved are at least properly documented. The designation of State Antiquities Landmarks on private land is recorded in the county deed records and is conveyed with the property when sold. |
| Historic Texas Cemeteries |
Historic Texas Cemetery designation is an official recognition of family and community graveyards by the Texas Historical Commission and encourages preservation of historic cemeteries. The designation imposes no restrictions on private owners’ use of the land adjacent to the cemetery but provides for the recordation of the cemetery into the county deed records as a historically dedicated property worthy of preservation. To nominate a cemetery, the owner, who is considered a trustee of the land dedicated for cemetery purposes, will be notified, though the owner’s consent is not required. To receive the designation, the applicant must show proof that the cemetery is at least 50 years old, provide precise information about its location and document it using a Historic Texas Cemetery designation application, as well as black and white photographs. This designation does not guarantee the protection of historic cemeteries, but it helps preserve cemeteries because it makes present and future landowners aware of the resources on their property. The designation does not restrict the public use or the private owner's use of the land adjacent to the cemetery. |
| National Register of Historic Places |
The National Register of Historic Places is a federal program administered in our state by the Texas Historical Commission in coordination with the National Park Service. Listing in the National Register provides national recognition of a property's historical or architectural significance and denotes that it is worthy of preservation. Buildings, sites, objects, structures and districts are eligible for this designation if they are at least 50 years old and meet established criteria. Plaques are available, but not required, for this designation. The National Register designation imposes no restrictions on property owners. Those receiving grant assistance or federal tax credits for rehabilitation projects, however, must adhere to certain standards. With a National Register designation, the property receives extra consideration before any federal projects, such as highway construction, are undertaken. |
