Historical Marker

Grimes Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Blessing, Texas
( 3.5 mi E of Blessing on FM 2853)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Cattleman Richard Grimes (1789-1858) established this family cemetery in 1856 when his infant grandson died. Grimes was born in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and from a young age he pursued a seafaring career. In 1837, Captain Grimes came to Texas in his brig, the Driver, and settled at Palacios Point on Matagorda Bay where he continued in the shipping trade. In 1843 he entered the cattle business with his son William Bradford Grimes (1825-1904), and they established the WBG ranch here. This early Texas ranch employed a number of cowboys who would later become well known, including Charles Angelo Siringo and Abel Head (Shanghai) Pierce. After the Civil War, several major cattle drives to Dodge City and Abilene, Kansas started from this ranch, continuing annually through the 1870s.

After Captain Grimes died, William continued to ranch here until his wife’s death in 1876, when he moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There he became a successful financier, banker and businessman. In 1881, he gave the WBG ranch to his eldest daughter, Fannie Louise (1860-1888), upon her marriage to Thomas Jefferson Poole. Her son, Thomas Jefferson Poole, Jr. (1883-1969), inherited the ranch from her and continued ranching until his death. He was a director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for many years, and upon his death, Poole was honored by the Texas State Legislature for his achievements as a cattleman. Today, this burial ground continues to be an active cemetery.

Historic texas cemetery – 2007

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites Anglo Americans
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Matagorda County, located in Texas along the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples. It was first explored by Europeans in the late 17th century, with expeditions led by René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Alonso De León. These explorations laid the foundation for future colonization efforts.

In the 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in Matagorda County, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The Mexican government granted land grants to individuals, and the population grew rapidly. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Matagorda taking place in 1832. The victory of Texan forces led to the expulsion of Mexican troops from the area.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to Matagorda County. This led to the establishment of oil refineries and other industries, transforming the region's economy. However, the boom was followed by a period of decline due to the Great Depression and changes in the oil industry. The county experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century with the growth of tourism and recreational activities along the Gulf Coast.

Today, Matagorda County is known for its beautiful beaches and wetlands, attracting visitors from all over. It continues to be an important center for fishing, agriculture, and petrochemical industries. The county's history is preserved through museums and historical sites, providing a glimpse into its vibrant past.

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

  • 1825 - Stephen F. Austin established a colony around Matagorda Bay.
  • 1832 - Matagorda County was officially created and named after the Matagorda Bay.
  • 1834 - The town of Matagorda became the county seat.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico.
  • 1846 - Matagorda County became part of the state of Texas when it was admitted to the United States.
  • 1856 - The town of Bay City was established as a trade center.
  • 1875 - The county courthouse in Matagorda was destroyed by fire.
  • 1882 - Bay City became the new county seat.
  • 1942 - The Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge was established.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Frances caused significant damage to Matagorda County.