Historic Cemetery

Riverdale Cemetery

Jayton, Texas 79528

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.

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Texas random facts
Kent County, located in the western part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache, who thrived on the abundant resources found in the region. In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for ranching and farming.

The county was officially established in 1876 and named after Andrew Kent, a Texas Ranger and soldier. The early years of Kent County were dominated by ranching, as cattle and sheep ranches spread across the vast landscapes. The county played a significant role in the Texas cattle industry and was known for its large cattle drives and cowboy culture.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought a new wave of prosperity to Kent County. Oil wells were drilled, leading to the establishment of small oil towns and a booming economy. The oil industry transformed the county and brought an influx of new residents and increased economic development. However, the oil boom also had its downturns, with periods of economic instability in the following decades.

Today, Kent County continues to be a rural and sparsely populated area. It retains its proud ranching and oil heritage, with many residents engaging in agricultural activities and oil-based industries. The county's history is still celebrated through various events and festivals that showcase its cowboy traditions and oil heritage. Kent County remains a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people throughout its dynamic history.

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

  • 1876 - Kent County is officially formed and named after Andrew Kent, who served as a Texas Ranger and soldier in the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s - Ranching becomes the primary industry in the county, with large cattle ranches covering vast areas of land.
  • 1902 - Oil is discovered in Kent County, leading to a boom in the local economy and population.
  • 1923 - The county seat is moved from Clairemont to Jayton, where it remains to this day.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Kent County, causing financial hardship for many residents.
  • 1950s - Oil production declines, leading to a decrease in population and economic activity in the county.
  • 1970s - Kent County experiences a small population increase due to the discovery of new oil reserves.
  • 1990s - The county sees a decline in oil production once again, leading to an economic downturn.
  • Present - Kent County remains primarily rural, with agriculture and oil production as the main industries.