Laughter Cemetery
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
The history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.
During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.
By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.
Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Texas.
- 1829 - Jackson County is established as part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Jackson County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1837 - Jackson County is officially organized as a county.
- 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jackson County becomes one of its counties.
- 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers, primarily from southern states.
- 1861-1865 - Jackson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy.
- 1875 - The first railroad, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway, reaches Jackson County, boosting the local economy.
- 1886 - The county seat is moved from Texana to Edna.
- 1900 - The 1900 Galveston hurricane causes significant damage and loss of life in Jackson County.
- 1920s-1930s - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Jackson County's economy.
- 1940s-1950s - The county experiences a decline in agriculture as the oil industry becomes the primary economic driver.
- 1970s-Present - Jackson County continues to rely on the oil and gas industry, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing and agriculture.