Mexia Cemetery
The Mexia Cemetery, located in Mexia, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Established in 1880, it is a significant burial ground in Limestone County, Texas, and has played a crucial role in preserving the heritage of the local community.
One notable historical figure buried in the Mexia Cemetery is Confederate General Richard Waterhouse. General Waterhouse served during the American Civil War and later became a prominent citizen in Mexia, contributing to the town's development. His grave serves as a reminder of the area's historical ties to the Civil War era.
Over the years, the Mexia Cemetery has expanded to accommodate the burial needs of the growing Mexia community. The cemetery is characterized by a mix of tombstone styles and designs, reflecting the changing cultural and artistic trends over the decades.
The cemetery continues to be a place of remembrance for the people of Mexia, honoring the memory of its residents and preserving the history of the town. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of cemeteries in connecting communities to their past and the notable figures who shaped their local history.
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.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
In 1833, Limestone County was officially established and named after a large limestone formation found in the region. The county quickly became an important agricultural center, with settlers growing cotton, corn, and wheat. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and led to the growth of several towns, including Mexia and Groesbeck.
Limestone County experienced its share of hardships throughout its history. During the Civil War, the county faced economic challenges as many men left to fight in the conflict. Reconstruction brought further difficulties, with tensions rising between white settlers and newly freed African Americans. However, the county rebounded from these challenges, and by the late 19th century, Limestone County was known for its thriving agricultural industry and successful businesses.
Today, Limestone County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy. The county is also home to several historical sites, including Fort Parker State Park, which preserves the history of the Fort Parker settlement and the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker by Native Americans. Limestone County's rich history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Limestone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Limestone County, Texas.
- 1833 - Limestone County is established as part of Mexican Texas
- 1836 - Texas becomes independent from Mexico
- 1846 - Limestone County is formally organized
- 1860s - County experiences growth due to the expansion of the railroad network
- 1873 - Groesbeck is chosen as the county seat
- 1880s - Cotton and corn become major crops in the county
- 1903 - First oil well is drilled in Limestone County
- 1930s - County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression
- 1940s - World War II brings economic recovery and increased population
- 1950s - Local agricultural sector declines, but the oil industry continues to thrive
- 1970s - County experiences economic growth with the opening of lignite coal mines
- 1980s - Lignite coal industry declines, impacting the local economy
- 2000s - County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism