Lifelong Texas resident Chris Woolsey travels across the state filming himself doing what he loves: preserving Texas history by restoring sun-stained, water-damaged and forgotten historical markers.

Growing up in the Dallas suburbs, Woolsey learned Texas pride early in his life when his father insisted on family road trips over flying.

That decision helped Woolsey appreciate the scenery and landmarks that are often dismissed as flyover country.

“There were always two things that we pulled over for on road trips, and that was scenic views and historical markers,” Woolsey said. “That was our thing, and that’s how I really came to enjoy learning about Texas history.”

With motorcycle racing aspirations, Woolsey never considered the restoration work he does today. After realizing he would not pursue a racing career, Woolsey began working as a contractor.

With a flexible schedule, Woolsey had time for new hobbies, and he found restoration work in an unexpected way.

“I went to visit a historical marker, and it wasn’t there,” Woolsey said. “I looked it up on the Texas Historical Commission’s website, just to find out which one it was, and I found they actually allow volunteer work on these. I thought that would be a cool hobby.”

Woolsey started his hobby this summer and began posting it on social media.

“I thought that seeing the before-and-after side of [restoration] would be really cool, and maybe somebody might find it interesting,” Woolsey said. “I thought I might be able to share it with my friends and family and it kind of exploded.”

As of November 2025, Woolsey has about 19,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram. His restoration videos have reached viewers across the country, beyond just Texans.

With a growing audience, Woolsey hopes his videos help viewers notice the history around them and understand how their communities came to be. He also wants people to know their neighbors and take pride in where they live.

Woolsey said he hopes younger Texans embrace the same sense of community pride that motivates his restoration work.

“Being proud of where you’re from doesn’t mean looking down on other places,” Woolsey said. “It means seeing what you can make better and using your time or skills to do it.”

He believes that making a change does not require one big gesture, but just effort.

“Helping your neighbor or your community, even in small ways, can change how you see the world,” Woolsey said. “If you’re ever feeling down, go do something for someone else with no expectation of getting anything back. A little hard work can go a long way.”