Little River-Wilson Valley Cemetery
Historical marker location:Wilson Valley community originally consisted of the seven Wilson brothers, their wives and children, and the Huckabee and Thornton families. They came from Mississippi in 1867 to escape Civil War devastation.
According to family tradition, Easter Cobb Wilson, family matriarch, expressed a desire to be buried on a certain hillside. Her son Calvin Wilson designated a plot on that hill to be a family cemetery. In 1869, William J. R. Wilson, 3-year-old son of Ben and Edna Wilson, became the first to be interred at this site. Several others had been buried by 1877 when Easter Cobb Wilson died at age 81.
In 1893, Bartlett and Avie McGregor Marks Huckabee deeded 3.27 acres of land, including the family plot, to the trustees of the Wilson Valley Cemetery Association. Wilson Valley, which had become a thriving area, declined when the railroad went through Little River, and gradually the two communities merged.
Graves in the cemetery reflect a high infant-child mortality rate in the late 19th century and deaths due to an influenza epidemic in 1917 and 1918. A 19th century tabernacle is used for meetings and ceremonies. In 1997, over 1,300 graves were counted in the cemetery. (1997)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen