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BASTROP COUNTY HISTORICAL MARKERS

Why pursue a historical marker? 

Markers are educational in nature and reveal aspects of local history, important to a community or region. These markers honor topics such as church congregations, schools, communities, businesses, events and individuals. Markers are placed at the sites that have historical associations with the topics, but no legal restriction is placed on the use of the property or site.

(Please contact the BCHC if a marker needs to be relocated.)

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Marker Criteria:

  • Age: Most topics marked must date back at least 50 years, although historic events may be marked after 30 years, and historic individuals may be marked or may be mentioned in marker text after they have been deceased 20 years.

  • The BCHC may waive age requirement for topics of overwhelming county, state or national importance, although exceptions are rarely granted, and the burden of proof for all claims and documentation is the responsibility of the narrative author.

  • Historical significance: A topic is considered to have historical significance if it had influence or impact on the course of history or cultural development. Age alone does not determine historical significance. ...What is the story?

How to apply for a historical marker 

Applying for a marker begins at the county level. Contact the BCHC if you would like to pursue a marker for a historic site.

  • 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.

  • Texas Historic Landmarks 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 worthy of preservation for their architectural and historical associations.

  • The BCHC also pursues Undertold Story markers to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics, and to proactively document significant underrepresented subjects or untold stories.

For more information, go to: http://www.thc.texas.gov/MarkerToolkit.

Our process is as follows:

  • Applicant researches the topic, writes the history, gathers photos and maps, and completes the application form.

  • Applicant submits application and documentation to the Bastrop County Historical Commission (BCHC) for review and approval.

  • BCHC forwards application to Texas Historical Commission (THC).

  • THC reviews application; additional information and/or clarification may be requested.

  • THC requests application fee and property ownership approval.

  • THC accepts public comment on applications received.

  • THC approves application, if eligible, and requests payment.

  • Applicant forwards payment to THC.

  • THC prepares draft inscription and submits it to applicant and BCHC for review.

  • Foundry ships completed marker to designated addressee.

  • Applicant and BCHC plan marker dedication ceremony.

  • THC staff enters marker into the Texas Historic Sites Atlas, an online inventory of marker information and inscriptions (http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us).

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The THC offers a website with a list of 124 historical markers tracked on the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. There are some websites which involve verified locations of historical markers:

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Photo galleries of Bastrop County historical markers:

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