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Fort Worth HCLC unanimously recommends HSE designation for World War I gunnery target
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Summary
The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission voted 9-0 to recommend that City Council designate the outline of a World War I aerial gunnery target at Taliaferro Field No. 1 as a Highly Significant Endangered object, citing its rarity, archaeological value and development threats.
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission voted unanimously on its March agenda to recommend that City Council consider designating the outline of a World War I aerial gunnery target at Taliaferro Field Number 1 as a Highly Significant Endangered (HSE) object.
Preservation staff told the commission that the target dates to April 1917 and is associated with Camp Taliaferro, one of three airfields established in Fort Worth during World War I. Staff said the object met four of eight criteria for HSE designation and retained five of seven integrity aspects, including location and design. The report noted the feature is a rare surviving example of an aerial gunnery target and has yielded archaeological information about early aviator training and camp life.
The staff report also flagged threats to the object, including development pressures, exposure to the elements and vandalism, and recommended that any future changes be evaluated using the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. After no one from the public spoke, a commissioner moved that the HCLC recommend HSE designation to City Council and the motion passed 9-0.
The commission's action is a recommendation to City Council; any formal local designation or legal protections will depend on council review and any subsequent steps by city staff.
