Communities are active in the identification, protection and interpretation of cultural landscapes.
Cultural landscapes recognize that historically significant resources may include more than distinct buildings, and that there may even be an absence of buildings. Cultural landscapes can range in size from thousands of acres to a small yard, but all have in common humankind’s imprint on the natural landscape.
A cultural landscape is defined by the National Park Service as a geographic area (including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein), associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. Cultural landscapes are composed of a collection of character-defining features which may include small-scale features like statuary and benches, as well as large patterns of fields, forests, and other features that demarcate the land. Character-defining features are generally organized as topography; vegetation; circulation; water features, and; structures, site furnishings, and objects.
Statewide Outcomes
- Statewide survey has focus on cultural landscapes
- Communities are active in the identification and preservation of their cultural landscapes
- Increased tourism partnerships and opportunities through preservation and promotion of cultural landscapes
- 50% of counties have cemetery committees
- 30 communities participate in the new Historic Texas Highway Program
Action Ideas and Case Studies
- Action Idea: Develop statewide resources, or a Texas Heritage Landscape Initiative, for heritage and cultural landscapes
- Case study: Houston County Historical Commission Cemetery Survey Project
- Case study: San Antonio Conservation Society Farm and Ranch Preservation Program
- Case study: El Paso’s Concordia Cemetery Preservation
THC Programs Supporting Cultural Landscape Goal
More Information and Resources
- THC’s Cultural Landscapes Page
- Cultural Landscapes Statewide Planning Issue
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation
- Preservation Brief 36: Protecting Cultural Landscapes
- Historic Landscape Initiative
- Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation
- Historic Landscapes, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
- Alliance for Historic Landscape Preservation
- Massachusetts’ Historic Landscape Preservation Program