Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Historical marker location:Pleasant Hill Cemetery has served the citizens of this area since 1855 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Bell County. The first person to be interred at the site was J. Carmack (d. 1855). Carmack was buried on the farm of pioneer settler Fleming Trigg Cox (d. 1890), who had arrived in the area from Missouri with his wife Mary Guinevera (Leigh) (d. 1907) in 1852. Both Fleming and Mary are buried at the site. In 1907, Samuel and Nicia Jane (Cox) Cox, descendants of Fleming Trigg Cox, deeded 4 1/3 acres to officially form the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Also among the earliest settlers in this section of western Bell County were the Kaiser, Sutton and Shriver families, and each family is represented in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Through the years, several additions of land have been made to the site, which now encompasses more than eight acres. The Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association was organized in 1901 in order to provide maintenance for the cemetery. The association consists of three officers and four trustees and an annual meeting is held at the cemetery on the last Saturday in June. Also in 1901, a tabernacle was constructed on the site that is still in use. Burials in the cemetery include veterans of the Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Today, Pleasant Hill Cemetery reamins active and is open to persons of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. The burial ground serves as a reminder of the hard-working pioneer families who settled this area so long ago
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 is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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