The Texas Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Initiative encompasses the preparation and implementation––through existing Texas Historical Commission (THC) staff and resources––of balanced, inclusive and compelling commemorative projects that showcase THC assets, which tell the story of the State of Texas’ involvement in the American Civil War.
Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL
Since 2007, the THC has been hard at work researching and partnering with local, statewide, and national partners to increase the interpretation of the "Last Land Battle" of the Civil War. To learn more please view the Palmito Ranch Battlefield.
Regional Workshops
In 2011 and 2012, the THC conducted five regional workshops to increase awareness of the agency's preservation efforts at Palmito Ranch Battlefield. Each workshop provided local hosts with an oppurtunity to present local Civl War historic preservation projects. Funding for the five regional workshops, held in Austin, Laredo, Tyler, Cross Plains and Galveston was made to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission through two generous grants from the Society of the Order of the Southern Cross.
Texas Civil War Monuments Fund
In November 1961, the Texas Civil War Centennial Commission and the Texas State Historical Survey Committee initiated a commemorative series of granite monuments by dedicating the first and largest of the original Centennial monuments at the Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi). This monument and those that followed during the Cetennial on battlefields across the nation, preserved the memories of the contributions made by our state’s military units during the Civil War. Starting in 1998, and with greater frequency over the past five years, the THC has continued the series. What to learn more and how you can contribute, please visit the Texas Civil War Monuments webpage.
Our Stories
The THC’s State Historic Sites Division highlights agency sites’ connections and histories related to the Civil War. To learn more about the multiple THC sites associated with Texas' role in the American Civil War please visit the 'Our Stories' sections of such sites as Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site (pictured), Magoffin Home State Historic Site, Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site and several others.
Texas in the Civil War brochure
The current theme brochure is 'tentatively scheduled' for a digital update in September 2013. It will be an online version for download only. It will not be printed.
Download a free copy of the 2002 edition of the Texas in the Civil War brochure (PDF).
150th Anniversary Commemoration of Juneteenth in Galveston: June 19, 2015
The Galveston Historical Foundation and the Galveston County Historical Commission have raised funds to pay for a new historical marker for "Juneteenth." Please check back during the sesquicentennial for more details. For now, download a free copy of the African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy booklet (PDF) or visit www.africanamericansintexas.com.
