(Established April 4, 1917)

Early 20th century Texas farmers demanded all-weather access to markets just as automobiles revolutionized transportation for all travelers. Good roads promoters envisioned a central state agency to organize safe, consistent routes. In 1916 the Federal Government offered matching funds to build a statewide highway system.

In 1917, legislators created the Texas Highway Department, and Texans registered 195,000 automobiles. Agency employees worked in the Capitol, then the 1917 Land Office, and soon the agency opened district offices across the state. In 1921 Federal officials approved a 2,900-mile Texas system, ensured by a one-cent-per-gallon state gas tax after 1923. During the Great Depression, Federal relief funds stimulated massive road building.

Engineers also promoted a new headquarters, and in 1933 completed this State Highway building. From here, Dewitt Carlock Greer (1902-1986) served as State Highway Engineer, 1940 to 1967, and Commissioner, 1969 to 1981, when legislators named the building for him. That year, as the agency's role expanded to public transportation, it managed 71,000 miles of highways for 12 million Texas vehicles.

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Show me all markers in:  Austin, TX  |  Travis County  |  78701  |  Texas  |  United States of America

The Texas Capitol
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Governor Elisha Marshall Pease
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Governor Andrew Jackson Hamilton
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Site of Second Travis County Courthouse & Walton Building
Governor Edmund Jackson Davis

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