Criminals are often the subject of historical markers like the one in front of the Archer County Courthouse. Jesse James, the Missouri outlaw, hid at his sister’s house a few blocks from the courthouse when law enforcement pursuit got too hot. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Texas historical markers give us snippets of history that help tie people, places, and events to local history. You won’t find these stories in school history books. 

Marshall, in northeast Texas, was once a major transportation hub and has lots of historical markers to its credit, including being the “Birthplace of Boogie-Woogie Music.” Following the Civil War, emancipated African American laborers developed hard-driving, left-hand bass rhythm music that became the cornerstone for musical styles to follow. 

You might not know his name, but you know Frederick Bean “Tex” Avery’s creations. Born in Taylor, Avery went to work for Warner Brothers studio where he developed Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny, and other legendary cartoon characters. He learned Bugs’ catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?” while a student at North Dallas High School.

The railroad depot in Marshall is a reminder of the town’s history as a hub of 19th century transportation. The transcontinental railroad passed through here spreading Boogie-Woogie Music across the nation. Credit: Gerald E. McLeod

Texans love to remember their famous outlaws, and we’ve had a lot of them. Jesse James had a hideout at the home of his sister in Archer City. Sam Bass robbed the stage passengers near Joshua for $11.25 before being killed in Round Rock. The last bank robbery committed by a Dalton Gang member was in Longview in 1894. Bonnie and Clyde crashed their car into the Red River outside of Wellington in the Panhandle before making their escape by kidnapping the local sheriff and chief of police. All these events are etched into historical markers. 

There are more than 16,000 historical markers spread across all 254 counties and the number is growing every year. The aluminum plaques featuring a distinct silver-colored text on a black background cover biographical sketches, important places and unique events.

The Texas Historical Commission oversees the historical marker program with input from county historical committees. Citizens can suggest a marker under the “Undertold Markers” program that is looking for untold stories. To explore a searchable database of historical markers, go to atlas.thc.texas.gov.

1,794th in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere. Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/day-trips.

This article appears in February 20 • 2026.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.