Town Square Walk Around and THC Programs

Texas determination and ingenuity is on display when visiting a historic Texas downtown. The National Main Street initiative to revitalize historic downtowns through preservation was formed more than 30 years ago by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation, with more than 87 fully designated communities.   

Through a successfully proven four point strategy of organization, economic restructuring, design and promotion, locally funded programs work with the Texas Historical Commission to achieve preservation-based economic and quality of life goals. This strategy often reintroduces the historic downtown as the activity hub and heart of the community for locals while also resulting in a great experience for the visitor.  

Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state—235 are still in active government use. With decades or even centuries of use, these structures deteriorate due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications, or weather-related damage. 

The Texas Historical Commission's nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program works to restore these treasured historic landmarks. 

Established in 1999 by the Texas Legislature and Gov. George W. Bush through House Bill 1341, the program provides partial funding to Texas counties to restore their historic courthouses. Categories include architectural planning grants; construction grants; and emergency grants to address endangerment issues. 

The program has restored over 63 Texas courthouses and another 28 have received emergency or planning grants to complete small projects. Enjoy visiting these courthouses and thank a local resident for preserving an important Texas landmark.