Back in 1936 the State of Texas decided to hold a Centennial celebration, and like everything else Texas does, it was the biggest and best celebration of a Centennial the world has ever seen. In addition to expositions, museums, restorations, statues and monuments, the Centennial Commission and the Texas Highway Department erected 442 historical markers, 275 grave markers, and 266 County highway markers.  Most of us are familiar with those big granite markers with the bronze Texas star, but have no idea what a phenomenal project they represent, and the attention they need today to restore their glory. 

A survey made by volunteers to document the entire Centennial in 2008 revealed that over 350 have some type of neglect.  The Texas Historical Commission is responsible for historical markers and grave markers, and say they have no manpower or money to restore the markers.  The friends of the THC started a fund, but only a handful of markers have been restored. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for the highway markers, and have only recently acknowledged their ownership.

The Texas legislature needs to appropriate funds for restoration and repair. Hiring expensive consultants is unnecessary, because documentation has already been done. We need to respect and preserve the history of our great state.