Historical Marker

Oakwood Cemetery

Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

DOLPHIN WILLIAM BINT (1845-1883) CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FROM ENGLAND IN 1876 AND SETTLED IN EASTLAND COUNTY IN THE RED GAP COMMUNITY. WHILE ON A JOURNEY TO FORT WORTH TO BUY LUMBER FOR THEIR HOME, HIS WIFE GAVE BIRTH TO A STILLBORN SON. HIS BURIAL UNDER AN OAK TREE IN THE FAMILY’S PASTURE BECAME THE FIRST IN OAKWOOD CEMETERY. THE BINTS RELOCATED TO DELMAR (NOW DOTHAN) AND THEIR PROPERTY WAS SOLD TO THE RAILWAY SURVEY, A PART OF WHICH WAS LATER DONATED TO THE CEMETERY IN 1910. THE FIRST CISCO CEMETERY ASSOCIATION WAS ORGANIZED IN 1899 TO CARE FOR THE CEMETERY. SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THEIR CHARTER IN 1900, THE MEMBERS RAISED FUNDS TO ENCLOSE THE GROUNDS, ERECT GATES, PLANT VEGETATION, AND IDENTIFY UNMARKED GRAVES. IN 1931, TEN ACRES WERE ADDED TO THE CEMETERY, AND AGAIN IN 1965 FROM THE CISCO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION (WPA), A 2,517 FT. ROCK WALL WAS ERECTED ON THREE SIDES OF THE CEMETERY.

THE GENERAL LANDSCAPE OF THE CEMETERY IS TRADITIONAL WITH GRANITE, LIMESTONE, MARBLE, AND SANDSTONE GRAVE MARKERS WITH A PROMINENT WPA ROCK ARCHWAY AT THE SOUTHEAST ENTRANCE. A VARIETY OF NATURAL VEGETATION, INCLUDING MULBERRY, OAK, RED BUDS, CRAPE MYRTLE, CEDAR, PINE TREES, AND FERNS AFFORD SHADE AND BEAUTY TO THIS HISTORIC BURIAL SITE. OAKWOOD CEMETERY IS HOME TO OVER 7,000 GRAVES. MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED BURIALS ARE VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II, THE KOREAN WAR, AND THE VIETNAM WAR. THE CISCO CEMETERY ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED IN 1976 TO ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND AND PROVIDE CARE FOR THE CEMETERY, WHILE ALSO SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF CISCO.

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.

gravesites
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Eastland County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought about changes in the region, with conflicts arising between the Native Americans and European settlers.

The county's official establishment came in 1858, when Texas Legislature recognized it as a separate entity. The county was named after William M. Eastland, who fought in the Texan Revolution and served as a Texas Ranger. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eastland County experienced significant growth and development thanks to the arrival of railroads, making it a crucial transportation hub for the surrounding regions.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century also brought prosperity to Eastland County. The oil boom led to a population increase, as well as the growth of industrial and commercial sectors. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a devastating impact on the county, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.

In recent decades, Eastland County has worked to revive its economy and preserve its rich heritage. Today, the county is known for its thriving agricultural sector, including cattle farming and crop cultivation. The county also attracts tourists with its natural beauty, offering outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Eastland County continues to embrace its history while looking towards a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Eastland County, Texas.

  • 1850 - Eastland County is established as a county in Texas.
  • 1854 - The town of Palo Pinto is designated as the county seat.
  • 1858 - Palo Pinto is abandoned, and the county seat is moved to Merriman.
  • 1875 - Merriman loses the county seat status to Eastland.
  • 1890 - The Texas Central Railroad arrives in Eastland, fueling growth and economic development.
  • 1907 - The first oil well in Eastland County is drilled, leading to the rise of the oil industry in the area.
  • 1920 - The Eastland City Dam is built, creating Lake Leon and providing a water source for the region.
  • 1930 - The population of Eastland County reaches its peak, with over 30,000 residents.
  • 1938 - Eastland County is severely affected by the devastating tornado outbreak known as the "Wichita Falls–East Texas Tornado Outbreak."
  • 1950s - The decline of the oil industry and changes in agriculture lead to a population decrease in Eastland County.
  • Today, Eastland County is a rural area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism.