African Americans in Texas
A Farm Security Administration client hoeing a garden at Sabine Farms in Marshall, Texas. (Library of Congress)
A journey through African American culture and heritage in Texas.
African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy is a 2011 publication by the Texas Historical Commission that showcases Texas’ deep African American cultural roots. The guide presents a refocusing of national and state honored African American history in Texas through a detailed mapping of National Historic Landmarks, National Register of Historic Places, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, Texas Historical Subject Markers, and Historic Texas Cemeteries.
The map below features the physical location of each Official Texas Historical Marker showcased in the guidebook, plus many more from the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Click on the interactive pins in the map to learn more about these stories.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations, and businesses.
Historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Age, significance, and architectural requirements govern the eligibility of topics and sites when applying for either a subject marker, Historic Texas Cemetery marker, or a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker.
You can read the story of The Dirden Farm in their complete marker application (PDF). To find out more about applying for your own historical site marker, visit the Texas Historical Commission website.
Dedication Celebration
Contact us to request an invitation to The Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Jacksonville, Texas.
Farm History
Read more about the Dirden story in our visual record of farm milestones, from 1848 to today.
Experience the Past; Embrace the Future
Old Well Discovery
An old brick well found on the property gives a glimpse into life on The Dirden Farm in the early days. Find out more about the Dirden family and the farm's history in the timeline.
Clearing the Property
After decades of inactivity, work to clear the farm began in late 2023. The farm has been declared a Texas historical property as one of the oldest former slave-owned properties in the state.
Steph and Corrine Dirden
Steph and Corrine were featured in the October 2023 issue of Neighbors of Lakeway & Bee Cave magazine. Steph traced his family tree, discovering ancestors he never knew existed.
Lift Every Voice
Enjoy this highlight reel taken during the Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration, held on April 19, 2025. We are blessed and uplifted by all who supported this monumental effort!
The events of the day are memorialized in the beautifully-designed program.