America 250 NC is launching Revolutionary Routes, a statewide initiative designed to bring the stories of the American Revolution to life through the places where history happened. This project will create a trail of outdoor exhibits and historical markers across North Carolina, each one highlighting a site of Revolutionary significance. By marking these important locations, Revolutionary Routes will offer meaningful learning opportunities for students, educators, and lifelong learners. We invite you to learn more, explore the trail as it grows, and get involved. Whether you're a historian, educator, community member, or simply passionate about our shared history, we welcome your interest and encourage you to apply for a historical marker or wayside in your community.
About
Waysides
These interpretive panels invite visitors to pause and connect with the history of a specific place. Each one stands near a significant site where an event occurred, a structure once stood, or where people lived, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of history. The panels are typically waist-high, mounted on a sturdy two-legged base, and feature concise stories of around 250 words, accompanied by one or two images.
Historical Marker
Historical markers offer brief recognition of significant individuals, locations, events, or structures in North Carolina's history. These markers are typically installed on a single post and feature a concise message designed to inform passersby of the site's importance quickly. Markers may be placed at the actual location or nearby, depending on visibility and accessibility.
FAQ for Waysides and Markers
Historical Markers are smaller than waysides and contain less content. These informational tools are useful for designating places, events, or persons of historical significance, but they may not be located at the original site. Some markers may be memorial in nature. The content of markers is subject to review and approval by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. A marker should not duplicate content found on waysides or existing State Historical Highway Markers.
Waysides are a larger format requiring the reader to stand before the wayside to review the material. The wayside should reflect the concept of “walking in the steps of history,” meaning they are placed where events happened, people lived (or died), and where historic structures once stood. Waysides must be placed in close proximity to a historic location and must also be well away from traffic lanes for the safety of the public and the protection of the wayside. The text and content of waysides are subject to review and approval by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The first step is to contact America 250 NC staff to discuss the topic. This first step is taken for several reasons: there may already be a proposed marker or wayside related to the subject, or it may not align with the goals of America 250 NC. Please reach out to Lori Townsend at lori.townsend@dncr.nc.gov with “waysides and markers” in the subject line for questions.
America 250 North Carolina has negotiated prices for historical markers and waysides with two vendors, depending on the format you prefer. Each cost is $3,000 plus installation where necessary.
Markers and waysides should be placed on private or municipal property. It is important that the applicant select a place associated with the subject and then look at the area in which the marker or wayside can be placed. We suggest a public space or space near a local roadway for placement while also considering that some will want to park and get out of their car to read/view the marker or wayside’s information. Regardless of location, we will need a written letter of approval from the property owner(s). You must submit location information for all proposed sites. Once directed by American 250 NC staff, projects must be submitted to the HPO for review to ensure no historic resources are adversely impacted by placement.
Markers and waysides typically take 6-10 months to fabricate and deliver. Dedication ceremonies are the responsibility of the applicant or local parties.
Staff will collect proposals for markers and waysides on a monthly basis and review the proposals at the end of the month, providing feedback early the next month.