Decades before Texas Highways became a public-facing travel magazine, it was known by the slightly less charming name Construction and Maintenance Bulletin, an internal publication for employees of the Texas Highway Department (now the Texas Department of Transportation). Founded in 1953, the bulletin covered highway design, construction, and maintenance. But in 1962, a young editor named Frank Lively began adding stories about historical events and places and other topics of general interest. On Lively’s recommendation, the magazine was converted to a travel publication offered to the public in 1974. One year later, Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe signed House Concurrent Resolution 26, naming Texas Highways the official travel magazine of Texas. This year, we are proud to celebrate 50 years of inspiring travel in Texas.
Know of any fascinating vintage Texas photographs? Send copies or ideas to [email protected].