Historic Cemetery

Strangers Rest Cemetery

a.k.a. Frost

Lufkin, Texas
Location: Angelina Co. Hist. Com. list, 2/01, no descript. Co. File, news article. Negro cemetery. THC Atlas: “…corner of Knight & Walter St., in Lufkin. R. D. Holland, Sydney Hackney, and S. D. Long, trustees of an Angelina County African American cemetery group, acquired one acre here from the Lufkin Land & Timber Co., in 1905. Recorded burials began in 1901. …first known as Frost Cemetery but … began to be called Stranger's Rest Cemetery about 1915 because of the large number of drifters buried here. The last recorded interment … in 1946. The site fell into disrepair but was reclaimed by members of the local community … 1991-92. Sesq. Cent. Marker 1845 – 1995.”: From Timberline Road in Lufkin, east on Paul Street .7 miles to Lubbock. South .3 miles on Lubbock to Knight St. .2 miles east on Knight to cemetery on east side.A granite marker at the front gate lists many of the umarked burials at the site. There are only 3 stones remaining and there is evidence of vandalism at the site.

Source: RIP Fields Table

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Angelina County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century had a significant impact on the region, as they established missions and trading posts throughout East Texas.

In the 19th century, the area that is now Angelina County found itself in the middle of the conflict between Spanish Texas and the newly-formed Republic of Mexico. As Mexico gained independence from Spain, the region became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. This tumultuous period culminated in the Texas Revolution, during which Texas gained its independence from Mexico, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas.

Angelina County was officially established in 1846, named after a Hainai Native American woman who had served as a guide and interpreter for Spanish and French expeditions in the area. The county experienced rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the timber industry. The area's vast pine forests attracted logging and sawmill operations, which led to the establishment of several towns and the creation of jobs.

Over the years, Angelina County has diversified its economy beyond timber. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought further economic growth and development to the region. Today, the county continues to thrive with a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. The county is also home to various recreational areas, including Lake Sam Rayburn and the Angelina National Forest, which attract visitors from near and far. Angelina County's rich history and thriving present make it a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Angelina County, Texas.

  • 1805: The area that would become Angelina County is part of the disputed Neutral Ground between Spanish Texas and the United States.
  • Early 19th Century: Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Cherokee, and Apache, populate the region.
  • 1837: Angelina County is officially established from parts of Houston County and Nacogdoches County. It is named after a Delaware Indian girl, Angelina, who was married to a settler, who later became a local Native American agent.
  • 1846: The first county seat, Marion, is established near the Neches River, but is later abandoned in favor of the more central Lufkin.
  • Mid-19th Century: The county's economy relies on agriculture, particularly cotton production, as well as timber and sawmills.
  • 1882: The Houston East and West Texas Railway is extended into Angelina County, boosting economic development and commerce.
  • Early 20th Century: The discovery of oil deposits contributes to the county's growth and prosperity.
  • 1927: Lufkin becomes the official county seat, replacing Homer.
  • 20th Century: Angelina County experiences periods of economic growth and decline, influenced by various factors such as the Great Depression, the oil industry, and the timber industry.
  • Today: Angelina County remains an important center for timber production, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors.