Welcome to the Historical Marker Database

Marker of the Week

The Virgin of Guadalupe and Juan Diego, Ciudad de México, Mexico

Fact or legend? Mary the mother of Jesus Christ appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin here this week in 1531, filling his cloak with Castilian roses. When he emptied his cloak before the archbishop, on the cloak’s fabric was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Regional Editor J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico, filed this entry in 2016.
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Most Viewed Markers This Year

1 •	General Pasquale Paoli City of Westminster, England, United Kingdom
2 •	Lost Bird Sioux Falls, South Dakota
3 •	First Shipboard Landing San Bruno, California
4 •	Indians Poisoned At Peace Meeting West Point, Virginia
5 •	90 mm M-2 Anti-Aircraft Gun Greenville, South Carolina
6 •	Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park Leesburg, Virginia
7 •	Confederate Defenders of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina
8 •	The Stono Rebellion (1739) Rantowles, South Carolina
9 •	Mann's Tavern Annapolis, Maryland
10 •	Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer Hunterstown, Pennsylvania

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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

Dec 10 •	First School Brentwood, New York
•	Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Austin, Texas
•	James Moore Cabin Waterloo, Illinois
•	From First Americans to Euroamericans Scott, Wisconsin
•	George A. Wyman Cayuga, New York
•	George A. Wyman Rocklin, California
•	The Ximenez-Fatio House St. Augustine, Florida
•	The Ximenez-Fatio House St. Augustine, Florida
Dec 9 •	Mill Creek Zanja Redlands, California
•	The Desert Inn Yeehaw Junction, Florida
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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.