St Mary 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.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In the mid-1800s, Karnes County became an important center for the cattle industry. Large ranches began to emerge, and the county became a hub for cattle drives. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the local economy, offering new opportunities for trade and transportation. With the influx of settlers, new towns were established, including the county seat of Karnes City.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Karnes County experienced several oil booms, which brought prosperity and economic growth to the area. The discovery of oil in nearby fields, such as the Pettus and Helena fields, attracted numerous oil companies and workers. This led to a surge in population and a construction boom in the county, with new buildings and businesses appearing throughout the area.
In recent decades, Karnes County has continued to be influenced by its strong ties to agriculture and oil. The agricultural sector remains a vital part of the local economy, with ranching and farming playing a significant role. Oil and gas production, while fluctuating, still contribute to the county's economy. Today, Karnes County is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting visitors to explore its historical sites, parks, and thriving small communities.
Karnes County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Karnes County, Texas.
- 1824 - Karnes County is established as a municipality in Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
- 1830s - Settlers from the United States begin arriving in the area, including the town of Helena.
- 1834 - Karnes County is officially organized under the Republic of Mexico.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Karnes County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1854 - The county's seat of government is moved from Helena to Karnes City.
- 1861-1865 - Karnes County residents participate in the American Civil War, with some serving in Confederate forces.
- 1885 - The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway is completed, providing easier transportation access to the county.
- 1902 - The discovery of oil in Karnes County leads to economic growth and development in the area.
- 1920s-1930s - The county experiences periods of prosperity and decline due to changes in the oil industry.
- 1940 - U.S. Army establishes the Karnes City Army Air Field, which later becomes the site of the Karnes County Airport.
- 1954 - Hurricane Alice causes significant damage to Karnes County.
- 1970s-1990s - The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
- 2010 - The Eagle Ford Shale boom brings renewed economic growth to Karnes County.