Sociedad Cementerio Union Mexicana Cemetery
Historical marker location:Situated along Cabeza Creek, the Sociedad Cementerio Union Mexicana Cemetery, also known as Saint Ann Cemetery, is the final resting place for the Mexican American population of Nordheim. This area was patented to Robert Galletty in 1841 and later sold to H. Runge & Co. and Vachel Weldon. In the late 1890s, German settlers bought property and began to farm the land. Many Hispanic sharecroppers began working for the farm and ranch owners and, therefore, needed a cemetery for burials. Due to segregation, acreage was purchased in 1906 for the Mexican American and African American population. The transfer of ownership was witnessed by two founding members of the cemetery, F.A. Hernandez and Telesporo Garza. According to ledgers, the cemetery was established on February 13, 1907.
The cemetery contains more than 500 burials. The first burial is that of Rafael Hinojosa on July 2, 1907. Rafael is listed as one of the original thirty members of the cemetery society. A number of early burials are infants and children who died from flu epidemics and lack of medical attention. Numerous burials are attributed to an F-4 tornado that swept across this region of Texas on May 6, 1930. Eighteen of the twenty-seven people killed in the storm are buried here. In addition, veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are buried here. No burial records exist for the African American cemetery and only 17 gravestones are visible. Throughout the years, the community maintained the cemetery until 2003, when the Saint Ann Cemetery Association was established to care for this historic cemetery
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 also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.
DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.
Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.
DeWitt County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of DeWitt County, Texas.
- 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
- 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
- 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
- 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
- 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
- 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
- 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
- 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
- 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.