A landmark African Methodist Episcopal Church, a “poor farm” known for its adobe structures, two sites linked to the heyday of the railroad in Texas, a homestead that was part of a Freedom Colony, and two historic courthouses are among the eight sites that Preservation Texas, Inc. has named to its twelfth annual list of Texas’ Most Endangered Places.
“The 2015 list is a diverse group of sites that reflect the range of preservation issues that historic places throughout the state are confronting,” said Evan Thompson, executive director of Preservation Texas. “These sites reflect the importance of continued funding for the Texas Historic Courthouse Restoration program and the Texas Heritage Trails program. Also, several demonstrate the potential impact of the new state historic preservation tax credit as an incentive for saving endangered sites.”
Historic preservation has a $4.6 billion economic impact in Texas. Historic sites named to the list of Texas’ Most Endangered Places represent some of the best opportunities to make a positive economic impact on local communities through preservation, particularly through the use of the new state historic preservation tax credit.
Thompson noted that the sites included on the 2015 list reflect increased awareness of the importance of historic preservation in supporting landmarks in smaller communities. “Passion and determination in these communities are strong, and will benefit from sound land use planning, coupled with increased financial resources and professional guidance,” he said.