Historical markers and designations are tools you can use to interpret, promote and protect historic and cultural resources that are worthy of preservation. Through the designation process, properties important to a community can be evaluated using established criteria and, if appropriate, marked for the education and enjoyment of citizens and visitors alike.

Texas has one of the most active and successful historical marker programs in the country; it includes both subject markers, which are solely educational in nature, and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark markers, which convey a legal designation for historic structures and buildings. Our National Register of Historic Places nominations and listings of diverse properties are consistently upheld as models for other states. The Antiquities Code of Texas, which provides for the designation of both architectural and archeological properties as State Archeological Landmarks, is the strongest protective legislation for cultural resources in the state. The new Historic Texas Cemetery designation is a popular method for recognizing the importance of isolated family graveyards and other historic burial grounds.

Texas landowners may receive special recognition with a Historic Texas Lands Plaque.