Hollywood Cemetery
Historical marker location:ONE OF HOUSTON’S OLDEST AND LARGEST CEMETERIES, WITH OVER 30,000 GRAVES, HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY HAS SERVED AS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR HOUSTON RESIDENTS FOR OVER A CENTURY. WILLIAM JAMES MOORE AND HIS BROTHER, SAMUEL B. MOORE, PURCHASED THE FIRST 55 ACRES IN THREE TRANSACTIONS IN THE SPRING OF 1895. THE ORIGINAL CHARTER OF THE HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION OF HARRIS COUNTY WAS FILED ON DECEMBER 23, 1902. THE ORIGINAL ENTRANCE VIA A BRIDGE CROSSING LITTLE WHITE OAK BAYOU BROUGHT CITIZENS INTO THE PROPERTY FROM FULTON AVENUE. WHEN THE TEXAS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTED I-45, THE ENTRANCE WAS MOVED TO THE WEST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY.
THE FIRST KNOWN BURIAL IS THAT OF TEN MONTH OLD BUCK HENRY WARNER WHO DIED OF CONGESTION IN JULY 1895. MANY BURIALS IN THIS CEMETERY MARK PROMINENT HOUSTON CITIZENS INCLUDING ACTORS, ARTISTS, MAYORS, JUDGES, THE FIRST HOUSTON LIBRARIAN, AND VETERANS FROM THE CIVIL WAR TO THE PRESENT. NATURALIST HENRY PHILEMON ATTWATER, NURSERYMAN SHINPEI MYKAWA, MAYORS RICHARD H. FONVILLE AND ANDREW LEE JACKSON, AND TEXAS HOUSE SPEAKER FRANKLIN O. FULLER ARE BURIED HERE.
DURING THE CEMETERY’S FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS, IT WAS MAINTAINED AND OPERATED BY THREE MAJOR OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT GROUPS, PLUS SOME SHORT PERIODS OF INTERIM MANAGEMENT. FRANK P. MOORE (NO RELATION TO THE MOORE BROTHERS) MANAGED THE CEMETERY FOR ITS FIRST 25 YEARS, UNTIL MOORE’S DEATH IN 1919. OWEN H. GATTON MANAGED THE SITE FROM 1919 TO 1926. THE HALL FAMILY, THOMAS C. HALL AND HIS HEIRS, OPERATED THE CEMETERY FOR ALMOST 70 YEARS, FROM 1926 THROUGH 1994. HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY, INC. CONTINUES TO CARE FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC CEMETERY
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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.