Lake Chapel Cemetery
Historical marker location:Pioneers Simeon and Nancy Lake and their seven children settled in this area in the mid-1850s. They built a home, cleared the land, and began farming.
The settlement which gradually built up around the Lake farm became known as Lake Chapel community after a small church was built on their property about 1856. Known as Lake Chapel Methodist Church, it was also used by other denominations in the area. A schoolhouse was also constructed nearby, and two acres of land were set aside for a community burial ground.
The earliest documented burial in the cemetery is that of the infant daughter of W. L. and Laura Lake Thornton. A granddaughter of Simeon and Nancy Lake, the child died at the age of five days in 1874. The church and school buildings were later moved from the property, and the graveyard's size was increased over the years. Among those interred here are members of the Lake and other pioneer families, as well as veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The diverse styles of grave markers which can be seen in the cemetery reflect the social history of the area, offering a glimpse into the customs and traditions of the past
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 first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.
In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.
Freestone County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Freestone County, Texas.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
- 1846 - Freestone County is established
- Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
- 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
- Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
- 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
- Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation