Historic Cemetery

Vistula Cemetery

Texas
Location: Vistual Communityu Cemetery [sign at cemetery] Associated church and community. AAAKA Union Grove [TxDoT] map. (1977) on the FM road between Bruton River Farm and Hwy 21. At Vistula Community, off to the right under a large grove of oak trees.(1987) At Mapleton, on Hwy 21 W, turn on the FM that goes E toward the Bruton farm. At the Vistula Community, it is off to the right under a large grove of oak trees.(1998) At Mapleton, on TX 21 W of Crockett, turn onto FM 3275, which changes to CR 3480 at the end of the pavement; bear R onto CR 3460 and at CR 3470 at the Vistula Community, the cemetery is to the R in a large grove of oak trees.(USGenWeb) S of Crockett on Hwy 21 to Mapleton. Go E on FM 3275, which turn into CR 3480. Cemetery is right where it intersects with CR 3485. Marked on map as Union Grove area.TSHA Handbook of Texas on-line:VISTULA, TEXAS. Vistula is a rural community seven miles northeast of Weldon off Farm Road 3275 in southwestern Houston County. It was established about 1900 and was probably named for the Vistula River in eastern Europe. A post office opened in 1900, and by 1914 the town had a general store, a cotton gin, a tailor, and a population of twenty-five. The post office closed in 1918, and the mail was sent to Weldon. In the mid-1930s the small community had a school and a number of houses. The school was later closed, and by the mid-1960s only a church, a cemetery, and a few widely scattered houses remained in the area. No recent population estimates are available. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Houston County Cemeteries (Crockett, Texas: Houston County Historical Commission, 1977; 3d ed. 1987). Christopher Long THC site visit MB 11-06-04: Mapleton, Tx area. From intersection of SH 21 and FM 3475, continue on FM 3275 for 1.5 mile SE, gravel begins, becomes CR 3480, continue another 1.1 mile to bend or Y intersection, stay right on CR 3480 for 0.1 mile. Site on W side, to left. About ft. off CR. Associated church about 0.4 mile further N at intersection of CR 3480 and CR 3470. Large fenced formal site, gate, sign. Diversity of formal markers over time, large and small, obelisks, slabs, carnes, mounding and scraped earth, unique markers, also locally caste, a few homemade, some pipes and metal funeral home markers. Abundant floral grave materials. US veterans.Approx 3 acres. GPS 31.06.23.55008N –95.38.07.84793WQuad 3195-212Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, on map, still in use, visitation, 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
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Houston County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area that is now Houston County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa, who lived off the lands and waterways. However, the first European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 19th century, sparking a new chapter in the region's history.

In 1838, Houston County was officially established and named after Sam Houston, a prominent figure in the Texas Revolution and later the Republic of Texas. The county became a focal point during this time, with numerous conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, as well as various clashes involving Mexican troops.

During the mid-19th century, Houston County experienced rapid growth and development, as many settlers were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Immigrants from various European countries, such as Germany and Austria, arrived in large numbers, contributing to the cultural diversity of the county. Additionally, the construction of railroads in the late 1800s played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and connecting Houston County to neighboring regions.

In the 20th century, Houston County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the discovery of oil in neighboring counties brought new economic opportunities to the region and provided a much-needed boost to Houston County's economy. Today, Houston County continues to thrive as a vibrant rural community, with a rich history that is celebrated through numerous historic sites, museums, and events that showcase its past.

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

  • 1837 - Houston County is created and organized from Nacogdoches County.
  • 1839 - The county seat, Crockett, is established and named after David Crockett.
  • 1854 - The Houston and Great Northern Railroad is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1861-1865 - Houston County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1881 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom.
  • 1893 - The Houston County courthouse is destroyed by fire.
  • 1936 - The Texas State Park Board establishes Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
  • 1968 - Hurricane Beulah causes significant damage to the county.
  • 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes widespread destruction and power outages in the area.
  • 2020 - Houston County celebrates its 183rd anniversary.