Historic Cemetery

Royse City African-American Cemetery

928 Cemetery Rd, Royse City, Texas 75189
Location: Cemetery Rd to L on Jenkins Ln. L on Epps Ln to SE section of Royse City Cemetery.

Graves: 20+ unknown number of unmarked (1918-1980s)

The Royse City Cemetery, situated in Royse City, Texas, holds a storied history that mirrors the city's development and its inhabitants' lives.

Established in the late 19th century, the cemetery bears the name of one of the early settlers, T.W. Royse. It has long served as the final resting place for Royse City's pioneers and their families, chronicling their journeys as they settled in the region.

Prominent families from Royse City, such as the Johnsons, Browns, and Smiths, are interred here. Their tombstones and markers narrate their contributions to the city's growth and progress.

The cemetery also encompasses sections dedicated to veterans who served in World War I and World War II. These graves stand as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by local heroes during these conflicts, adding historical depth to the cemetery.

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 African-American
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Texas random facts
Rockwall County is a county in the U.S. state of Texas, located just east of Dallas. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo and the Cherokee. However, European settlers began to populate the region in the mid-1800s. The county was officially established in 1873 and was named after the natural rock wall formation located along its eastern border.

In its early years, Rockwall County primarily relied on agriculture, with cotton being a significant crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped stimulate economic growth and opened up opportunities for trade and transportation. As the area developed further, it attracted new residents and businesses, bringing both prosperity and expansion.

Throughout the 20th century, Rockwall County continued to evolve with changing industries and demographics. The construction of Lake Ray Hubbard in the 1960s not only provided a new recreational area but also fueled the growth of tourism and real estate development in the region. Today, Rockwall County is known for its thriving local economy, excellent schools, and high quality of life.

The county has also seen significant population growth over the years, as more and more people are drawn to its close proximity to Dallas and its beautiful natural surroundings. Despite its growth, Rockwall County has managed to maintain its small-town charm and community-oriented atmosphere, making it an attractive place for families and businesses alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Rockwall County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Rockwall County is established as one of the original 23 counties in the state of Texas.
  • 1851 - The town of Rockwall is founded, becoming the county seat.
  • 1873 - The arrival of the railroad brings growth and economic development to the county.
  • 1895 - Rockwall County experiences a devastating tornado that causes significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1920s - The advent of oil drilling in the area leads to increased economic prosperity.
  • 1973 - Lake Ray Hubbard is impounded, providing a new recreational and water supply resource for the county.
  • 1980s - The county experiences rapid population growth and suburbanization as people move to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
  • 2008 - The Harbor at Rockwall, a mixed-use development, opens on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, becoming a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.