Historic Cemetery

Torcer Cemetery

a.k.a. Chinese Worker Graves

Sierra Blanca, Texas
Location: I-10 west from Sierra Blanca 8 miles to Bankhead Highway (gravel). North 7 miles, following the road in a NW direction to old RR bridge. Left (south) on gravel road just east of bridge onto old railroad bed onto State owned property. Follow railroad bed and road as it cuts detours around gaps in the bed a total of 2.5 miles, just before reaching the famous "Horseshoe Curve". This road is rough and you may need 4X4. Cemetery is south of the railroad bed about 100 yards on an elevated area near the old railroad camp. This site has 4 visible graves, 3 fenced, and one between the fence that looks as if someone has tried to remove the remains. Graves are covered with rocksTorcer was originally a Southern Pacific RR town with repair crews located just to the east of the neck of the famous Horseshoe Curve. The town can be seen in a late 1950s photograph in the Hudspeth County Historic Museum. Oral history indicates this was a Chinese Cemetery but the only historic documentation is the " Short History of Southern Pacific RR" which says Chinese workers were buried at the camp sites (Jerry Mayfield)There appear to be 4-5 visible graves at the site. The picket fences enclosing the graves are falling. The wood crosses are located at the site but have fallen. This site is remote and a guide may be necessary. This site is not on any maps.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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
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Hudspeth County, located in the western part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history. The first recorded human habitation in this area dates back thousands of years with the presence of Native American tribes such as the Apache and Comanche. These tribes relied on the region's resources, such as water from the Rio Grande and wildlife, for sustenance.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers made their way into the area, establishing missions and trading posts. The Spanish presence in Hudspeth County continued until Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. After the independence of Texas from Mexico in 1836, this area became part of the Republic of Texas.

The construction of railroads in the late 19th century brought significant changes to the region. The Southern Pacific Railroad laid tracks through Hudspeth County, leading to the establishment of towns such as Sierra Blanca, the county seat. The railroad facilitated transportation of goods and people, promoting economic development in the area.

Hudspeth County's history also includes its role as a frontier for law enforcement. In the early 20th century, the lawlessness of nearby areas, such as the infamous Mexican revolution, spilled over into Hudspeth. This led to conflicts with cattle rustlers and bandits, forcing law-abiding citizens to rely on local law enforcement to maintain peace and order.

Today, Hudspeth County reflects its historical roots while adapting to the modern world. The county's unique geography, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage continue to attract visitors, making it a destination that celebrates its past while embracing the future.

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

  • 1850s - Hudspeth County is inhabited by Native American tribes including the Mescalero Apache and Comanche.
  • 1852 - Fort Quitman is established as a military post to protect travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road.
  • 1870s - Settlers begin to arrive in the area, attracted by opportunities for farming and ranching.
  • 1879 - Hudspeth County is officially formed, named after Claude Benton Hudspeth, a prominent Texas legislator.
  • 1880s - The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad brings further growth and development to the region.
  • 1902 - Sierra Blanca is designated as the county seat.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and drought take a toll on the local economy, causing many residents to leave.
  • 1950s - The establishment of the Hudspeth County Underground Water Conservation District supports agricultural water needs.
  • 1980s - Hudspeth County becomes a popular area for filming movies and television shows.
  • 1990s - Increased border security due to drug trafficking impacts the county's relationship with neighboring Mexico.