At the Heart of Tyler Annual Meeting on March 6, the City of Tyler unveiled its new historic preservation program, the Half Mile of History. The program resulted from a recommendation that came out of the Tyler 21 planning process and its goal is to pay tribute to people, places and events that have contributed to the rich history of Tyler and Smith County.
The Half Mile of History is a permanent, outdoor, half-mile loop that surrounds the square in the heart of downtown Tyler. Stone plaques will be placed in the sidewalk along the Half Mile of History to commemorate significant people, places or events.
Nominations for the Half Mile of History will be considered by the Historical Preservation Board at the end of each calendar year quarter. Nomination forms can be obtained on the City of Tyler’s website (http://cityoftyler.org/PlanningZoning/HalfMileofHistory/tabid/538/Default.aspx) or by visiting the Planning Department at 423 W. Ferguson in downtown Tyler.
A committee formed from the Historical Preservation board will make recommendations for the Half Mile of History based upon the nominee’s enduring impact on the community, county, region, nation or the world. These will be forwarded to the Tyler City Council for final consideration.
“During the Tyler 21 planning process, the people of Tyler made it clear that they wanted to promote and display diverse aspects of Tyler’s history,” said Mayor Joey Seeber. “This program is a direct result of that input. The Half Mile of History will raise awareness of the importance of Tyler’s rich history.”
For more information on the Tyler 21 Plan, please visit www.cityoftyler.org.