Historic Cemetery

Schroeder Cemetery

Lexington, Texas 78947
Location: Schroeder Cemetery, Fedor, TX (area)—SEE Lee Co, Tx Cems, vol 1-2 (1991). US 77 N from Giddings about 4.4 miles, left on FM 1624 for 1.3 miles to where it crosses Hwy 21. Straight ahead for 9.5 miles, turn left on CR 335, a gravel road, straight on this gravel road for 1.2 miles to where road ends at a gate. On right of gate is mail box with A. Melcher on it. (1988) Angling thru a pasture to the left of a house, through an aluminum gate, to the left and then following the pasture road to the right down a fence line, then through an opening with a wire gap. Go around a stock tank, turn to the right to a small cemetery on top of a knoll. The Schroeder Cem. Cem is enclosed in a chain link fence 15 x 30 ft. with a gate on E side of cem. Located on Gottlieb Schroeder Survey. Additional grave outside NE corner of fence, no marker, inside a triabular barbed wire fence, with two large Oak trees. According to Mr. Melcher, now deceased, who previously owned this land, there are several other graves near this one, unknown. Cleared area but no sign of graves." THC site visit 10/07/03: Pasture area N of Melcher home. Ask Permission before entering cattle and bull pasture. Chain link, fence around several obelisk and smaller markers. Gate set in ell. Large Oak tree, cattle shade area, no observable grave in tree area. No specific pasture road into this pasture. Inside fence are vines,a few Irises, one Crape Myrtle. Knoll, vista to E. About 1,000 ft. SE from Melcher Family Cem. Approx 0.04 acre. GPS 30.20.41.032590N -97.05.38.20891W. Quad 3097-141.

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 has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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.