Historic Cemetery

William Steele Grave Cemetery

Texas

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
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
La Salle County, located in the southern part of Texas, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Karankawa peoples, who were hunter-gatherers. The first Europeans to explore the region were Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, and Spanish influence remained until Mexican independence in 1821.

In the early 19th century, the area that is now La Salle County became a part of the Republic of Texas after the Texas Revolution. It was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer who had ventured through the region in the 1680s. The county was officially established in 1858, and its first county seat was Old Frio City.

The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century brought significant changes to La Salle County. The influx of oil workers and the establishment of oil fields led to a boom in the local economy and population. With the growth of the oil industry, the county seat was moved from Cotulla to Encinal in 1881, and then back to Cotulla in 1892, where it remains today.

Over the years, La Salle County has also played a significant role in the ranching industry, with large cattle ranches dominating the landscape. Today, the county is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities. Despite the modernization and changes, La Salle County's history and heritage are still celebrated, and its past is evident in its cultural landmarks and traditions.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of La Salle County, Texas.

  • 1689 - French explorer, Henri Joutel, discovers La Salle County.
  • 18th century - Spanish colonization of the area begins.
  • 1821 - The area becomes a part of the Mexican Empire after gaining independence from Spain.
  • 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico.
  • 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and La Salle County becomes a part of the United States.
  • 1858 - La Salle County is officially established.
  • 1883 - The first railroad reaches La Salle County, leading to growth and development.
  • 1900s - The discovery of oil and gas resources boosts the county's economy.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
  • 1960s - The establishment of the Eagle Ford Shale formation leads to increased oil and gas production.
  • Present - La Salle County continues to be a hub for oil and gas exploration and production.