THC takes over Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site
Historic sites to see increased funding as a result of the transfer

Attending the flag raising l ceremony marking the transfer of the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the Texas Historical Commission were (from left): Eagle Scouts Jonathan Avant and Matthew Heidel, Caddoan Mounds Site Manager Jennifer L. Price, Musuem Clerk Kaye Seth, State Rep. Chuck Hopson, Alto Mayor Pro Tem Annie Walker and Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. COURTESY PHOTO

ALTO - A new Texas flag is flying over Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site commemorating the official transfer from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

Gov. Rick Perry presented the flag to Caddoan Mounds SHS's Site Manager Jennifer L. Price on Dec. 5, 2007, at a special ceremony at the State Capitol in Austin.

The transfer is the result of the passage of HB 12 (Hilderbran, R-Kerrville) by the 80th Texas Legislature.

"The flag raising ceremony signifies a new beginning for Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site with the Texas Historical Commission," said Ms. Price. "We look forward to a successful and prosperous future with the THC, as many exciting enhancements, both in structural and interpretations, are anticipated at Caddoan Mounds SHS."

Eighteen historic sites across Texas will see an increase in funding due to the transfer, resulting in longer operating hours and an increase in visitation.

The THC's goal is to enhance the visitor experience at Caddoan Mounds SHS, making it a popular heritage tourism destination.

"The New Year will bring many positive changes and enhancements to the historic sites," said THC Executive Director Larry Oaks. "We encourage all Texans to get out and see these extraordinary and diverse attractions."

Along with Caddoan Mounds SHS the other transferred sites include: Acton in Johnson County, Casa Navarro in Bexar County, Confederate Reunion Grounds in Limestone County, Eisenhower Birthplace in Grayson County, Fannin Battleground in Goliad County, Fort Griffin in Shackelford County, Fort Lancaster in Crockett County, Fort McKavett in Menard County, Fulton Mansion in Aransas County, Landmark Inn in Medina County, Levi Jordan in Brazoria County, Magoffin Home in El Paso, Sabine Pass Battleground in Jefferson County, Sam Bell Maxey House in Lamar County, San Felipe in Austin County, Starr Family Home in Harrison County and Varner- Hogg Plantation in Brazoria County.

The THC presently oversees the successful operation of two additional historic sites, the Sam Rayburn House Museum in Bonham and the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation.

The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.