Hope Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Marlin, Texas
( From Marlin, Take Fm 147 east about 9 mi then go north about 3 mi to cemtery. (on west side of road))
Marker installed: 1980
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Falls County Judge W. R. Reagan, pioneer school teacher, gave this 10-acre site in 1873 to Hope Baptist Church for a meeting, school, and burial ground. The 61-member fellowship under the pastorate of the Rev. J. J. Davis erected a sanctuary to serve the "Spunky Flat" area.

The first grave in the cemetery after 1873 was that of a young girl whose family was traveling through the region. Over the plot they built a small house which washed away in a flood. The first marked site, dated 1874, is that of Alma Etta Watters.

A summer revival conducted in 1921 under an arbor revitalized the congregation, and for several years the prayer meetings continued to draw large crowds. As residents moved to cities and young men went into military service in World War II, the membership declined. IN 1943 the last service was conducted. The sanctuary was destroyed by fire in 1966.

In the early years relatives and friends provided maintenance for the burial ground. Hope Cemetery Association was organized in 1974 and a tabernacle was constructed five years later. The graveyard, with 104 marked sites and many unmarked plots, continues to serve the area

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.

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The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Falls County is located in the central part of Texas, named after the beautiful 17-foot-high waterfalls that span the Brazos River. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including Appaches and Caddo Indians, who lived off hunting and gathering. The Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, claiming the land for Spain and establishing missions in the region. However, the native tribes fiercely resisted colonization efforts, resulting in tensions and conflicts.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Falls County, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1850, and the town of Marlin was designated as the county seat. The development of railroads during this period further spurred the growth of the region, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

During the Civil War, Falls County, like many other parts of Texas, heavily supported the Confederacy. The economy revolved around agriculture, especially cotton plantations, which relied on enslaved labor. However, the war brought multiple challenges to the county, including shortages of supplies and soldiers, as well as occasional conflicts with Union forces.

In the post-war era, Falls County faced a period of rebuilding and diversification. The reliance on cotton continued, but other industries such as livestock ranching and oil extraction began to play a significant role in the county's economy. Over the years, Falls County has gone through various changes and challenges, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history tied to the land and its people.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Falls County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Falls County is established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1838 - The county seat is established in Perryville
  • 1850 - Marlin becomes the new county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Falls County residents serve in the Civil War
  • 1873 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Marlin
  • 1886 - The town of Lott is incorporated
  • 1896 - The Marlin Female Institute is established
  • 1910 - A serious cotton boll weevil infestation hits the county
  • 1921 - The infamous Klan trials take place in Marlin
  • 1953 - Falls County dedicates a new courthouse
  • 1975 - Marlin State Hospital is designated a National Historic Landmark
  • 1996 - The Marlin Democrat newspaper celebrates its 125th anniversary
  • 2018 - Falls County celebrates its 180th anniversary