Historic Cemetery

Leo-New Bethel Church Cemetery

Texas
Location: LLeo Community New Bethel Cem.aka Morning Star Church Cem.—SEE Lee Co, Tx Cems, vol 1-2 (1991): “Us 77 N from Giddings 13 miles to New Bethel Baptist Church on left, right on CR 330 for 0.4 mile to cem on left. New Bethel or Morning Star Church once sat across this gravel lane from the cem but was moved to its present location on Hwy 77. Land once owned by Baylor family. Index.” THC site visit MB 9/04/03: S of Lexington, CR 455 to E off SH 77. [road names may have changed] Large fenced cem with metal arched entryway. Diversity of markers over time, including fieldstones and creative local markers. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials, benches, plantings. Some marker trees. Most graves face E, although some at E end of cem face W. Surrounded by pastures. Recent bull-dozer damage from unknown source, tumbling out and moving about 6 large gravestones into sandy dozer path. Reported to THC and to Lee Co Cem Committee Oct. 2003.Approx 3.20 acres. GPS 3022.25.05977N –96.58.41.71663W. Quad 3096-232.Medium risk of endangerment, perhaps by remote location, evidence of recent disruption of large formal markers by backhoe or dozer. Also surrounded by pasture, with pasture gates into cem. Evidence of cattle damage to fence. However, is maintained, has recent burials, abundant floral and decorative materials, and associated church.

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
Lee County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1874. Originally part of Bastrop County, it was named after Robert E. Lee, the controversial Confederate general. The area was primarily settled by German immigrants, who brought with them a strong agricultural tradition that shaped the county's economy.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became known for its cotton production, and many rural communities emerged to support the farming industry. The county seat, Giddings, became a thriving commercial center, with businesses and institutions establishing themselves to meet the needs of the growing population.

The 20th century brought both challenges and progress to Lee County. The devastating effects of the Great Depression hit the agricultural sector hard, leading to a decline in cotton farming. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy, venturing into cattle ranching and the production of other crops. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought a new wave of economic growth.

Lee County has also played a significant role in Texas history. It is home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Dawson Massacre and the Texas Revolution. Today, Lee County continues to be a rural and historically significant part of Texas, with a strong sense of community and a blend of diverse cultural influences.

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

  • 1874: Lee County is established on February 11, named after Robert E. Lee.
  • 1878: The town of Giddings is established as the county seat.
  • 1881: The Texas and New Orleans Railroad is completed, leading to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1907: Lee County Courthouse is built, replacing the original courthouse constructed in 1878.
  • 1920s: Cotton becomes a major crop for the county, leading to prosperous years for local farmers.
  • 1960s: The decline of cotton production begins, and farmers shift to other crops and livestock.
  • 1996: The Lee County Youth Center is opened to provide juvenile offenders with rehabilitative services.
  • 2011: The county is severely affected by drought and wildfires, causing significant damage to agricultural lands.
  • Present: Lee County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with a growing emphasis on diversifying the local economy.