Archeology and history

Addressing cultural resources is one step in the environmental review process that all projects must go through before construction. It is part of what we do that goes Beyond the Road.

• NEW: Learn more about TxDOT’s program and your role in our virtual training space.
• Check out TxDOT's current archeology projects or other environmental processes.
• Get involved in historic preservation at TxDOT.
• Visit the Roadside Chat page to see webinars and podcasts about topics that go Beyond The Road.

Cultural resource projects

What are cultural resources? Cultural resources include bridges and buildings, archeological sites and cemeteries, sacred/religious landmarks and sites, and historical objects.

TxDOT consults with the Texas Historical Commission, the cultural resources community and federally recognized Native American tribes to determine how to manage cultural resources under the guidance of the National Historic Preservation Act.

If a project cannot avoid affecting a cultural resource, TxDOT can mitigate adverse effects by excavating, studying and curating artifacts; documenting artifacts or

resources; and/or public outreach. This research adds to the knowledge base of and engages the community in Texas history.

Archeology projects include:

• Arroyo los
  Olmos
• Geoarchaeology
• Bolivar
• Frost Town
• Prehistoric Dimond Knoll
  site
• Ransom Williams
  Farm
• The
  Old San Antonio Road and El Caminos Reales

History projects include:

• Texas historic bridges
• Texas'
  Broadway of America - An interpretive plan for museums about the Bankhead Highway
• Adventure
  and Agriculture - An interpretive plan for museums about Texas Aviation
• A
  Journey Through Chihuahuita
• Bankhead
  Highway
• Agricultural
  Theme Study for Central Texas
• Texas
  General Aviation

Get involved with the Cultural Resources Process. Learn more about our discoveries and stories from Beyond the Road.

Texas tribes

Did you know that at one time, at least 28 federally-recognized tribes called Texas home? Many tribal members continue to live, work, and play here. Their traditions are Texas traditions. Learn more about their roots through our new publication

& Tribes: Shared Traditions. Are you an educator or a parent? Then download our companion

educational

activities guide.

More information

• More environmental processes at TxDOT
• Sec. 106 training with
  TxDOT
• Tribal consultation
• Adopt a historic bridge
• Archeological sites and cemeteries toolkit
• Historic resources toolkit
• Texas historic bridges
• Information for bridge owners