Welcome to the Historical Marker Database

Marker of the Week

Horseshoe Curve Altoona, Pennsylvania

This en­gi­neer­ing marvel and National Historic Landmark opened this week in 1854. The curve makes a 220 degree turn as the railroad, four tracks wide here, climbs over the Allegheny Mountains. Helper engines are added to long trains to provide additional power to ascend and additional braking when descending. Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad, it continues in use today as an important link in Norfolk Southern Railway’s network. Prolific Contributing Editor William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania, filed this entry in 2012.
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Most Viewed Markers This Year

1 •	General Pasquale Paoli City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom
2 •	Pendleton Town Hall Explosion Pendleton, Indiana
3 •	First Shipboard Landing San Bruno, California
4 •	Lest We Forget Sylmar, California
5 •	The Stono Rebellion (1739) Rantowles, South Carolina
6 •	Confederate Defenders of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina
7 •	Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer Hunterstown, Pennsylvania
8 •	C-2A Greyhound Coronado, California
9 •	Manzanita Lincoln, California
10 •	Modern Liberation Arlington, Virginia

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History Happened Here

National and global events all happened some­where, and historical markers mark the place where many occurred. But the richness of history is in its local details, details that can be insignificant on the global stage: the home of an in­di­vi­dual who made a dif­fe­rence; a natural feature, building, byway; or just some­thing in­te­res­ting that happened nearby. History is not just about the high and mighty.
 
Markers tell stories and point out facts. There is one at the site the northernmost battle of the U.S. Civil War and another at the southernmost point in the United States (can you guess where?). There is one next to a 17th century Japanese stone lantern symbolizing 20th century peace, and another one less than 20 miles away reminding us of the Nike missile sites that were built the same year the lantern was dedicated. They tell of battles, massacres and hangings; of hu­ma­ni­ta­rians, educators, and a beloved stagecoach horse; of mountains, lakes, rivers, bridges, roads, and other natural and man-made wonders.
 
There are countless thousands of great stories marked by markers—and some boring ones too. Some markers simply recite facts while others are insightful, obscure, cryptic, patriotic, fas­ci­na­ting, sad, funny, or just downright bizarre. Many of those markers are on these pages, others are waiting for you to discover and add them to this database.
 
So hit the road and experience history first-hand yourself. History happened nearby.

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Are You A Collector?

Do you collect historical markers? Would you like to start? If you’re a collector, or want to get started, consider uploading your discoveries to this site. Even if someone else beat you to the submission, you can still add a fresh photo, better directions, or some additional insight into the subject described. What do you get in return? We’ll credit each submission by publishing your name and town on that page, unless, of course, you wish to remain anonymous.

You can add markers yourself. It's easy! Check marker submission guidelines, then click Add A Marker to get started. Adding photos, links and commentary is just as easy: go the marker's page and click on the links at the top or bottom of the page.

HMdb.org Cards

HMdb.org 3½" x 2" cards are now available. We’ll mail contributors a dozen or more at no charge. Simply send a note to the editor with a mailing address and state how many you would like. Sign one and put it in your wallet to show you are a contributor to HMdb.org. It might come in handy when someone asks you what you’re doing next to a government installation with a camera. Hand the rest out to friends and curious bystanders. Your note will be discarded after the envelope is addressed.

Keep An Eye on Those Markers

Enter your town in the Search by Place search box on the More Search Options (or use the County list) to get a list of markers near where you live and work. Keep an eye out for them when you're out on the road. You would be surprised how many disappear in the course of a year.

To report a missing marker, use the “Correct This Page” link on the marker’s page and scroll down to the “Is Marker Missing?” section. A photo of the stump, hole in the ground, or place where the marker was is necessary for proof. Also, please take a few minutes and inform your local historical society.

Recently Modified Marker Entries

Today •	Sam Sharpe Montego Bay, Cornwall, Jamaica
•	Hillsborough County's Confederate Monument Tampa, Florida
•	Formerly The Texas School Book Depository Building Dallas, Texas
•	Lieutenant Colonel William H. Rutherford Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
•	Basil C. Pearce Jr. USS Tang Memorial Palatka, Florida
•	Zachary Taylor Fulmore Austin, Texas
•	Ku Klux Klan Trials Georgetown, Texas
•	Williamson County Georgetown, Texas
•	Williamson County Sun Georgetown, Texas
•	C.A.D. Clamp Georgetown, Texas
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HMdb is Mobile-Ready

On your cell phone’s browser. Want to know what that marker you just passed said? Fire up this website on your phone’s browser and hit the Near You button. Set up a shortcut now so you'll be ready next time you’re out.

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Middle School History Project

Teachers! Are you looking for a history project idea that will actively involve your students and their parents? Take a look at this historical marker passport project used by teachers in the Wilson NY School District for 7th and 8th grade students. Download the customizable two-page Microsoft Word document by clicking here.