Historical Marker

Harwood Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Harwood, Texas
( Stalle St. at N. Second St., Harwood)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 18" x 28"

The town of Harwood was founded in 1875 as a stop on the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad. Land was designated for a cemetery when town lots were platted. The oldest marked grave is that of I. M. Shelton, a Civil War veteran who died April 14, 1877. According to local tradition, Shelton was struck by lightning as the worked on the railroad. Other veterans interred here are from the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, Spanish-American war, World War I, World War II, and Korea. A cemetery association was formed in 1957 to maintain the site.

Texas sesquicentennial 1836-1986

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 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.
Texas random facts
Gonzales County, Texas, has a rich history dating back to its settlement in the early 1820s. The area was part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas until the Texas Revolution in 1836, when the Battle of Gonzales became a pivotal moment in the fight for independence. The battle, often referred to as the "Lexington of Texas," was fought due to a demand by Mexican authorities for the return of a cannon given to the settlers to protect against Native American raids. This refusal to comply with the orders of the Mexican government marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

Following the Texas Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of Texas, Gonzales County played a vital role in the formation of the new state. The town of Gonzales became the capital of DeWitt County and remained a prominent center for trade and agriculture. The 1850s brought an influx of German immigrants to the area, who brought with them their agricultural expertise and helped to further develop the county's economy.

During the Civil War, Gonzales County primarily sided with the Confederacy, and many residents served in the Confederate Army. After the war, the county faced a period of reconstruction and struggled with political and economic challenges. However, through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and the expansion of the cattle industry brought renewed growth and prosperity to Gonzales County.

Today, Gonzales County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil and gas production, and diverse industries. The county is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including historical sites and the annual reenactment of the Battle of Gonzales. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through museums, historical markers, and the pride of its residents in their shared past.

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

  • 1834 - Gonzales County established as a municipality of Mexico
  • 1835 - "Come and Take It" cannon skirmish occurs in Gonzales, marking the start of the Texas Revolution
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico; Gonzales County becomes part of the Republic of Texas
  • 1846 - Texas becomes a state, and Gonzales County remains a political subdivision
  • 1861-1865 - Gonzales County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1878 - The Gonzales Inquirer, the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in Texas, is established
  • 1887 - Gonzales County Courthouse is built
  • 1891 - The Harwood and Gonzales Railway connects Gonzales to the Texas railway network
  • 1905 - Oil is discovered in Gonzales County, leading to an economic boom
  • 1936 - The Gonzales Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center, now the J.B. Wells Park, opens as a medical facility for polio patients
  • 1949 - The Gonzales Memorial Museum is established to preserve local history
  • 1967 - The Gonzales State School opens to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • 1988 - The Confederate Soldiers Monument is erected in the Gonzales Memorial Museum