Fort Clark Cemetery
Source: Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; usgennet
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.
In the early 19th century, Kinney County was primarily used as a hunting ground for the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes. However, the arrival of Anglo settlers in the mid-1800s led to conflicts and tensions. The Battle of Bandera Pass, which took place in 1841, was a significant event in the region's history as it was one of the largest confrontations between Texas Rangers and Native American tribes in that era.
The creation of Kinney County occurred in 1850, and it was named after Texas Ranger and soldier Henry Lawrence Kinney. The county became an important center for cattle ranching in the late 19th century. The establishment of the railroad in the area further supported the growth of the county, as it provided a means for transporting goods and livestock.
Over the years, Kinney County has experienced economic ups and downs, with changes in agriculture and ranching practices impacting the local economy. Today, the county continues to be largely rural, with a focus on farming, ranching, and oil and gas production. The region's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it an appealing destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Kinney County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kinney County, Texas.
- 1850 - Kinney County, TX is founded
- 1876 - Fort Clark is established, becoming an important military post
- 1884 - Kinney County becomes part of the Maverick County judicial district
- 1910 - The town of Brackettville is incorporated
- 1943 - The movie "The Alamo" is filmed at Fort Clark
- 1978 - Fort Clark is added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 2000 - The population of Kinney County reaches its peak at 4,467 residents