Historic Cemetery

Old Oakland Cemetery

Navasota, Texas 77868
Location: Oakland Cemetery #1— AKA Old Oakland Cem.AKA Oakland Cem, white.SEE Cemeteries of Grimes County, vols 1-5 John Maxwell, GCHC.H&P, Grimes Co Hist.: Local hist. map. [No details] Tombstone/Rootsweb: “TxDoT map” GNIS on Navasota map.THC site visit MB 4/20/04 N of SH 105 on Truck Route SH 105, at curve in the roadway. Large site managed by City of Navasota. Distinctions clarified with cem. manager. Includes Old Oakland, white, and to the S area the separately fenced and gated Jewish city cem, and further S along the creek the historically AA cem Rest Haven Cem. Reportedly the black and white distinction of cemetery has been withdrawn, recently taking down the separating fence and allowing areas of mixed race burials. Local respondent said there was no more Rest Haven, although the entranceway stone columns still show the name. Also, the distinction remains visible with earlier gate and fence posts still in place, and in grave and landscape traditions.Oakland is formal site with diversity of formal markers over time. Formal landscaping. Abundant floral grave materials, few decorative items. NW area appears to be either Mexican or Catholic grave embellishments reflecting those traditions. N end appears to be recently annexed, includes mausoleum and work shed. At corner intersecting Old Oakland, Oakland Jewish, and Oakland-Rest Haven there is an area recently set aside just for babies, curbed and landscaped distinctly, reportedly mixed race burials. Formal and sculptural markers are large and small. Abundant floral grave materials. Older areas include traditional formal landscaping including Cedar marker trees, with Arborvitae, Gardenia, Crape Myrtle as marker shrubs. Cedar and Pecan marker trees. US veterans, CSA, WoW, Masonic. A few unique grave materials are used on W side of central cem. Adjacent to pastures and small town residential and industrial uses. US veterans, WoW, Masonic, CSA, American Legion.Approx 24.5 acres. GPS 30.23.25.66405N –96.06.02.88001W Quad 30956-144.Low risk endangerment: maintained by city, fenced, near town, recent burials.

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Stephen F. Austin Colony in the early 1820s. It was named in honor of Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county was officially formed in 1846 when it was separated from Montgomery County.

In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.

The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.

Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Grimes County, Texas.

  • 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
  • 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
  • 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
  • 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
  • 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
  • 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
  • Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.