Historic Cemetery

Oakdale Cemetery

Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Oak Dale Cemetery AKA Oakdale Cemetery– Recorded: POLK02—Parsons; R. Peebles: “3 miles off Hwy 59 AT Marston, N of Livingston.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “The cemetery is located in the Oakdale community north of Livingston. … land donated first by the Jesse Legett family late 1800's and land donated by Grady and Dell Brock Williams in the 1990's. … approximately 60 graves, [some] unnamed but marked. … with concrete fieldstones in the late 1950's by Russell Flynn Thomas, Sr. There is an oral history of a mass grave with as many as 14 …an epidemic among Polk County Lumber Company employees at Buck in the early 1900s. There is no physical trace of such a grave. The cemetery was inventoried. About 60 graves. Index, earliest marked grave about 1908.” L. Moore: “Hwy 59 N, Marston, Right 1 mile, on left.” Epidemic, lumber town, mass grave for 14 in early 1900s, oral hist. US Veteranss of WWI and WWII, and possibly later warsCSA THC site visit MB 1-22-05: Livingston, Tx area. Sign on highway. US 59 N to Oakdale Loop E for 1.2 mile. Hill location at bend in road, access to left, about 70 ft. up slight incline. Large fenced site. Diversity of formal markers over time including obelisks, cast slabs, benches, commercial mortuary stones. Marker trees and shrubs, Camelias, Cedar, Oak, Azelia, Arborvitae, Irises and Narcisissus. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials, embellishment of stones, flags. Approx 0.76 acre. GPS 30.45.54.93234N –94.53.34.67762W USGS 3094-332Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, on map, still in use, on map, on road, sign.

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
Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

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

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.