In 1927 the Commonwealth of Virginia embarked upon a program of marking, for the benefit of travelers on the highways, the approximate locations of places and events of historical interest and significance. The program was carried out by the Division of History and Archaeology of the Department of Conservation and Development. By 1948 the program was regarded as largely accomplished and the activity was transferred, in the 1948 reorganization of the State government, to the State Library. Small appropriations have been made to the Library for new markers and replace­ment of those damaged or destroyed. However, bills have been introduced in the General Assembly for particular markers and there appears to be an increasing trend toward this. At the 1962 Session of the General Assembly, legislation provided for the erection of thirteen markers, approximately 1% of the number now estimated to be standing. Feeling that a more uni­form policy with regard to markers was desirable, the General Assembly in 1962 adopted House Joint Resolution 78.

The Council selected Tom Frost, Member of the House of Delegates and of the Council, Warrenton, to act as Chairman of a Committee to make the initial study and report to the Council. Selected to serve with Mr. Frost as members of the Committee were: Howard H. Adams, House of Delegates; Eastville; Dr. W. G. Bean, professor, Washington and Lee University, Lexington; Alexander C. Brown, Newport News; Brigadier General Edwin Cox, Aylett; Mrs. Herbert A. Elliott, South Hill; J. Garland Hening, Jr., Chesterfield County; W. Moscoe Huntley, Judge, Hustings Court, Richmond; Sterling Hutcheson, retired Federal Judge, Eastern District of Virginia, Boydton; Mrs. James Bland Martin, Gloucester; and Donald R. Middleton, Arlington; Mr. Middleton, however, found it necessary to resign prior to the completion of the study.

Mr. Adams was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and G. M. Lapsley served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Committee.

The Committee consulted with Randolph W. Church, State Librarian, the official under whose direct supervision the present marker program operates. It held a public hearing at which historians, persons associated with organizations interested in the promotion of the tourist industry, and the general public were afforded an opportunity to express their views. It heard representatives of some local groups who urged the recognition, by markers, of specific events in their areas.

The Committee carefully considered the material presented to it and submitted its report to the Council. The Council has reviewed the report of the Committee and now submits the following report.