Historic Cemetery

Zion's Hill Cemetery

a.k.a. Zion Hill Cemetery

613 US-96, Jasper, Texas 75951
Location: JP-C088 Zion’s Hill Cemetery,NOT AKA Zion Hill Cemetery Extension. Originally the black section? (historically??) AA--VERIFYTHC site visit MB 9/24/04: S of Jasper, Tx on US 96, address at 6038 US 96S. Separate entrance, line of posts marking two sides of very large fenced area, distinct cultural and material forms on each side. Cemeteries may be united now but no overt evidence of changes in earlier burial practices. Recent expansion to the S on side where photo enamels and grave practices suggest AA site. VERIFY history on this! Formal markers, diversity over time, including obelisks, carnes, local castings, a unique steel constructed vertical form. Photo enamels. Marker trees of Magnolia, also Lilies and large Gardenia, and Lantana shrubs. Abundant floral grave materials.Affiliations includef US veterans.Approx 1.6 acres including recent expansion. GPS 30.50.05.40217N –93.58.16.19134W.Quad 3093-332Low risk endangerment, associated church, stil in use, fenced, maintained, on map. 3093-332 USGS.

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
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Jasper County, Texas has a rich history dating back many centuries. The land where Jasper County now stands was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapan and Alabama-Coushatta peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, primarily from other parts of the southern United States.

Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.

The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.

Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.

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

  • 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
  • 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
  • 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
  • 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
  • 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.