Library of Virginia, Public Services and Outreach Division, Highway Historical Marker Records, 1928-1975

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Extent:
19.5 cu. ft. (40 boxes)
Creator:
Library of Virginia
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Records, 1928-1975, including charts and keys, clippings, correspondence, inscriptions, invoices, maps, negatives, notes, photographs, and publications of the Highway Historical Markers program in Virginia. The collection is arranged into two series, Series I: Administrative records and Series II: Marker inscriptions and photographs. These records trace the design, construction, wording, and images of the Highway marker program in Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

Virginia's historical marker program is the oldest such program in the nation, beginning in 1927 when a handful of markers were erected along U.S. 1 between Richmond and Mount Vernon. Originally the Conservation and Economic Development Commission was tasked with creating historical markers. In 1949, the Virginia Department of Highways was assigned the responsibility for installing and maintaining new markers, and in 1950 the Library of Virginia took over researching and approving new makers. In 1966, management of the highway markers was transferred to the newly created Virginia Landmarks Commission, the predecessor agency of the Department of Historic Resources. Today VDOT (Virginia Dept. of Transportation) retains primary responsibility for installing new markers and maintaining existing ones.

More information on the marker program and an online database search is available at: Virginia Department of Historic Resources Historical Highway Markers

Acquisition information:
Transferred from Publications and Educational Services Division, The Library of Virginia, 8 March 1973.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into the following series:

  • Series I: Administrative records, 1928-1975
  • Series II: Marker inscriptions and photographs, 1928-1975
Physical location: