Hello! My name is Stephen A. Harper and I am here to share about the project known as “The Tin Men of Texas”. Back in the late 1930s and early 1940s, these metal giants started popping up all around Texas. They were built as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) economic plan, a testament to resilience and progress during challenging times. As I’ve traveled through different towns, these towers have become more than just old structures to me – they’re symbols of community.
This project is not just about the towers; it’s about what’s happening underneath them. Each snapshot I’ve taken reveals a bird’s-eye view of daily life in these towns. From quaint shops and local cafés to charming main streets and annual festivals, these communities are bursting with character and stories waiting to be shared. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is diving into the history of each tower and town, discovering how a network of generations over the years have preserved something special in each place.
With this interactive Google map, I aim to help us rediscover the beauty of Texas together, celebrating the melding of architecture, culture, and community. I can’t wait for you to experience the charm, history, and camaraderie as I have that define the towns underneath these metal giants, true guardians of heritage.