The purpose of the Galveston County Historical Commission is the identification, documentation, protection, and interpretation of the history of Galveston County. Its members, appointed by the Galveston County Commissioners Court, include individuals from around the county who are experts in their particular community’s history.

Current Historical Commission Projects

WWII History

Commission members are working with the Texas Historical Commission to research the World War II sites in Galveston County.

The 1867 Settlement

This historic African American community pioneered by Chisholm Trail Black Cowboys, located in west Texas City has been listed on the National Register of Historical Places and has also been recognized with a Texas Historical Marker. This unique community has the distinction of being the only Reconstruction Era community in Galveston County.

Saving the documented history of the Settlement began with a History Channel Grant Project in 2005 when the Galveston County Historical Commission partnered with the La Marque ISD to have students involved in hands on projects to research, record and preserve local history. The project titled “Save Our Settlement” received national recognition when it was awarded the Time Warner National Preservation Award in 2006. This award was presented to the GCHC Chairperson and four La Marque High School Students in the White House by First Lady Laura Bush.

Texas State Historical Markers

Once a year applications are accepted for the state historical marker program. The Galveston County Historical Commission is responsible for reviewing all applications for sites within Galveston County before they are sent to the Texas Historical Commission in Austin.

If you are interested in obtaining a marker for a historical subject, please see the application procedures at the Texas Historical Commission or contact the Galveston County Historical Commission.