Zion Arneckeville Cemetery
Historical marker location:ZION ARNECKEVILLE CEMETERY
GERMAN SETTLERS BEGAN TO ARRIVE IN THIS AREA IN THE LATE 1840s. MANY IMMIGRANTS SETTLED IN THE TWELVE MILE COLETO AREA, LATER KNOWN AS MEYERSVILLE. THE ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1850. MEANWHILE, THE SETTLEMENT OF ARNECKEVILLE, NEAR THE FIVE MILE COLETO AREA, BEGAN TO DEVELOP. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TRAVELED THE EIGHT-MILE WALK OR RIDE TO MEYERSVILLE TO ATTEND CHURCH SERVICES. IN 1860, PASTOR CHRISTOPH ADAM SAGER (1826-1869), WHO FOUNDED THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MEYERSVILLE, BEGAN TO MINISTER TO THE PEOPLE IN ARNECKEVILLE. THE GROUP ACQUIRED LAND FROM SAGER’S BROTHER, MICHAEL SAGER, TO BUILD A CHURCH. A SMALL LOG STRUCTURE WAS DEDICATED IN NOVEMBER 1868 AND BECAME KNOWN AS THE ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ARNECKEVILLE. ADDITIONAL LAND WAS ADDED IN 1886 TO COMPLETE THE TEN ACRES THAT ENCOMPASSES THE CHURCH, CEMETERY, SCHOOL AND PARSONAGE.
SITUATED ON A LOW HILL SLOPING TO THE SOUTH, THE CEMETERY, CONTAINING A VARIETY OF HEADSTONES, IS SURROUNDED BY LARGE LIVE OAK TREES. THE OLDEST MARKED GRAVE IS THAT OF PASTOR CHRISTOPH ADAM SAGER BUT IT IS REPORTED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL UNMARKED BURIALS. IN ADDITION, EIGHT OF THE TEN CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH ARE BURIED IN THIS HISTORIC CEMETERY, INCLUDING HEINRICH ARNECKE (1833-1903), THE NAMESAKE OF ARNECKEVILLE, MICHAEL SAGER (1843-1915), AND JOHANN CHRISTOPH THIEME (1811-1890), A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO GERMAN IMMIGRATION AND SETTLEMENT IN THE AREA. ANOTHER NOTABLE BURIAL IS DR. C.A.H. ARNECKE (1860-1947), WELL-KNOWN PHYSICIAN AND SON OF HEINRICH ARNECKE. THE CEMETERY INCORPORATED IN 1988 AS ZION ARNECKEVILLE CEMETERY, INC. TO HELP PRESERVE THIS PLACE AS A REMINDER OF GERMAN LUTHERAN HERITAGE OF THE AREA.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2010
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.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.