Historic Cemetery

Sand Prairie Cemetery #1

a.k.a. George Cemetery, Sand Prairie-George Cemetery, Sand Prairie Church Cemetery

Normangee, Texas 77871
Location: Located about five miles south of Normangee at the intersection of FM 39 N and FM 1452 W.

Source: Local history notes; Tombstone; Tombstone; GNIS; Handbook of Texas; Madison Co Arch-GenWeb-Rootsweb

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
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Texas random facts
Madison County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that traces back to its establishment in the mid-19th century. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes, including the Caddo and the Coushatta. However, the arrival of European settlers drastically altered the region's demographics and culture.

In 1821, Texas received independence from Spain, and the area that encompasses Madison County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, after the Texan Revolution, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and Madison County was created as a separate entity in 1853. It was named after the fourth U.S. President, James Madison, and was primarily established as a farming community due to its fertile soil and abundance of water sources.

During the Civil War era, Madison County, like much of Texas, supported the Confederate States of America. Many of the residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area experienced its fair share of conflict and devastation. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, relying on agriculture and ranching as key industries.

Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to thrive agriculturally. Cotton became a major crop, and the county became known for its production and processing. The discovery of oil and gas fields further bolstered the economy, providing a new source of wealth and employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich history while embracing economic diversification and growth.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Madison County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • Mid-1800s - Pioneers settle in the area, primarily of Anglo-American descent
  • 1853 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Madisonville
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences population growth with the arrival of railroad lines
  • 1861-1865 - Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • Late 1800s to early 1900s - Agriculture, including cotton, becomes a major industry in the county
  • 1911 - The discovery of oil leads to the development of the oil industry in the county
  • 20th century - Madisonville becomes an important center for trade and commerce in the region
  • Present - Madison County remains a rural area with a diverse economy including agriculture, oil, and tourism