Historic Cemetery

Old Brookeland Cemetery

Texas
Location: SB-C067 Brookeland Cemetery, Old THC site visit MB 6/07/04 Adjacent to Brookeland (New)3193-223 Brookeland Cemetery, Old Recorded: SABI01—Parsons, Kim. 1988. References to Texas Cemeteries; Sabine Co Hist Soc, Rootsweb: “Town of Brookeland.” (Website photo tour of cemetery. Old and new, combined 380 + graves, some unmarked. )THC site visit MB 6/07/04: In Brookeland, Tx on Old SH 8, just W of Old SH 96, W of current SH 96. End of road, across from Brookeland Church of Christ, adjacent to Camp Jack Brooks of Galveston Boys and Girls Clubs, also private residence. Small road, Willis Cotrell Dr. divides Old Brookeland and New Brookeland cemeteries. Sign on roadway. Partially fenced. Very formal site on knoll over where earlier access road used to be, original entrance to the N now overgrown. Diversity of formal markers over time, large and small. Obelisks, spries, curbing, slabs, also some fieldstone. Photo enamels. Stone and unique wood benches. Large Cedar marker trees, also Crape Myrtle and large Gardenia marker shrubs, some Lilies, Irises. San Augustine grass. Some floral grave materials. DRT, DAR, US veterans. Some CSA. Approx 3 acres. GPS 31.09.23.34921N –93.59.45.53865W. Quad 3193-223.Low risk of endangerement. Municipal site, maintained, still in use, adjacent to new cemetery. 3193-223 Local history notes.

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
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Sabine County, located in the eastern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water sources for sustenance. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish expeditions led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast, including the Sabine River.

In the early 19th century, Sabine County became a part of the newly established Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The area attracted American settlers who were lured by the fertile soil for farming and the potential for trade along the Sabine River. One influential settler, James Gaines, established the city of Milam in 1835, which would later become the county seat of Sabine County.

The history of Sabine County is closely intertwined with the struggle for independence and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, the area witnessed several significant events, such as the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and the Battle of Gaines' Ferry in 1836. After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, Sabine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.

As the years went by, Sabine County experienced various economic booms and downturns, primarily driven by industries such as timber and oil. The timber industry played a vital role in the county's early development, with sawmills and logging camps becoming prominent features of the local economy. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil led to a short-lived but significant oil boom in the area, attracting numerous companies and workers.

Today, Sabine County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas. Its rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and landmarks, showcasing its role as an integral part of Texas's heritage.

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

  • 1836: Sabine County is established and organized as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1843: The town of Hemphill is established as the county seat of Sabine County.
  • 1854: The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is constructed on the Sabine Pass.
  • 1861: Sabine County residents vote overwhelmingly in favor of secession from the Union.
  • 1881: The Texas State Penitentiary is established in Sabine County.
  • 1936: Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is completed along the Sabine River.
  • 1957: The Sabine River Authority of Texas is created to manage the water resources of the Sabine River Basin.
  • 1976: The Sabine County Historical Commission is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1990: The Sabine County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.