Historical Marker

Milam Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Old Milam Cemetery Road, Milam, Texas
( Milam Cemetery, on Old Milam Cemetery Road (N. Vernon Road), north of SH 21 and west of SH 87)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Milam, the first county seat of Sabine County, has a history of travelers and visitors stretching back centuries. Native Americans and Spanish explorers, soldiers and missionaries passed through and often camped on Las Boregas Creek. Texian settlers encountering the natural abundance echoed the words of Stephen F. Austin, who recorded in his diary entry of July 16, 1821: We then suddenly came to an open rolling country thinly timbered soil about the color of Spanish Browne, & in some places redder this red land is very productive and is covered with the most luxuriant growth of grass I ever beheld in any country. The settlement first called Red Mound (Red Mount) was the seat of government for the Sabine district since 1822, and was surveyed as a town site in 1828.

Milam Cemetery is on a high hill overlooking the historic community. The exact date of the first burial will never be known. Spanish explorers were passing through present-day Milam as early as 1539 and camped on Las Boregas creek a few hundred yards west of the cemetery. Local historians believe Anglo burials occurred here probably as early as 1775, since travelers used the campsite down the hill on Las Boregas. The land on which the cemetery is located was granted to john smith on Feb. 26, 1835. The first marked burial is dated 1864, although more than one hundred unmarked graves are suspected. Numerous military veterans dating back to the Creek War are interred here, as well as prominent early citizens from the Causey, Weatherred, McGrew and Nethery families. Milam Cemetery may be the oldest organized cemetery in Sabine County, and a cherished chronicle of generations of visitors and residents.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2011

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
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.