Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - 3:28pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas’ Republic-era past takes center stage with the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) recent acquisition of nine state historic sites. The sites’ legislative transfer from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department became official on September 1, 2019, increasing the...
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 11:19am
By Amy A. Borgens, THC State Marine Archeologist
In late 2018, a fisherman was casting a line off the South Texas coast when he noticed a distinctive shape emerging from the water at low tide. He immediately notified the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Archeology Division, which dispatched staff the next day to identify and document the discovery.
The object was a 20-foot-...
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 4:19pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas caverns contain a natural sense of intrigue. How can these stunningly beautiful formations be hiding below scrubby patches of Hill Country landscape? How did someone first discover these otherworldly treasures? And how did they form in the first place?
Caverns played an important role in Texas...
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 4:02pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion; Photos by Patrick Hughey
“Man the halyards!”These ancient nautical terms flutter through the gusty Gulf Coast breeze aboard the 142-year-old Elissa, one of the only ships of its kind restored to full sailing capacity. The formerly moored...
Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - 4:19pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor,The Medallion
For many Texas students, summer vacation means traveling with family and friends; others choose to forego this educational break via internships like the Texas Historical Commission’s Preservation Scholars program.
Preservation Scholars is a program of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. The FTHC raises philanthropic...
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 - 3:29pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion
“That’s one small step for man…”
Those six words immediately transport us to the iconic scene of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969. Fifty years later, this momentous event still conjures awe and pride among Americans. Flying under the radar, however, is the nerve center that helped make it all possible: NASA’s Mission...
Thursday, June 13, 2019 - 8:00am
By Andy Rhodes, Medallion Managing Editor
Photos by Patrick Hughey
THC Commissioner Lilia Garcia is standing on a balcony overlooking the Rio Grande. As she recalls stories about the formerly fluid movement between Brownsville and Matamoros, she sighs deeply. It’s been many years since she crossed the river to visit friends in Mexico. Although...
Friday, May 17, 2019 - 4:22pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
In the early months of each year, the Rio Grande Valley’s population increases by about 100,000 people. Commonly known as Winter Texans, these semi-permanent residents flock from northern locales to Brownsville, McAllen, Mission, and other nearby cities for warmer temperatures and cultural opportunities.
Many...
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - 4:13pm
By Debra Drescher, State Coordinator, Texas Main Street Program
Historically, courthouses served as the central meeting places and architectural anchors for downtowns. In fact, they were often placed first in a community’s urban plan.
Today, Texas courthouses continue to anchor downtown activities. In many cases, they provide the primary park space in a historic business...
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 9:11am
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
While exploring the Lone Star State’s historic downtowns, many travelers are understandably drawn to the architectural beacons of courthouse towers. Some visitors may continue strolling throughout a historic business district in search of cafes and boutiques without noticing the buildings in between.
Even fewer will realize that...
Start your next adventure with the THC's new statewide travel guide, which highlights historic destinations in all 10 Texas Heritage Trail regions. Download or order a free copy today!
