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January marks the one-year anniversary of the transition of 18 historic sites from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

These sites, which tell the real stories of Texas, join the THC’s two other historic properties, the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Sam Rayburn House Museum.

The THC has made major strides in improvements including the addition of 46 new positions, opening all sites six or seven days a week, purchasing 21 new vehicles and staff is currently in the process of creating new four-color visitors guides for all the sites.

The THC web site has been updated to include a page for each historic site and they are also featured on the agency’s homepage.

Project plans are being developed to fund a number of restoration and infrastructure improvements at the sites starting in 2009.

In August 2008, approximately 228 acres of land adjacent to Varner-Hogg Plantation was acquired, reclaiming land that was previously part of the plantation and also protecting the area from encroaching development.

Two small city lots were also obtained adjacent to the Fulton Mansion, which will be utilized for a future visitor and education center. A complete list of the acquired sites includes Acton Historic Site, Caddoan Mounds, Confederate Reunion Grounds, Eisenhower Birthplace, Fannin Battleground, Fort Griffin, Fort Lancaster, Fort McKavett, Fulton Mansion, Landmark Inn, Levi Jordan Plantation, Magoffin Home, Sabine Pass Battleground, San Felipe, Starr Family Home, Sam Bell Maxey House and Varner-Hogg Plantation.

To learn more about the THC’s historic sites contact the Historic Sites Division at 512.463.7948 or visit www.thc.state.tx.