Old Centerview Cemetery
Historical marker location:Sabine County is one of the oldest settlement areas in the state. The farming community of Centerview, which dates to the 1840s, supported a stagecoach station, post office, general store, church and school. There are at least a dozen unmarked or undated gravesites in this community cemetery, but the oldest marked grave dates to 1899 and the interment of a baby, Merle Taylor. Other burials include leaders of the community and generations of area families, as well as veterans of conflicts including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Cemetery features include wooden markers, curbed plots and an elaborate arched entryway.
In 1968, Centerview Methodist Church conveyed this land to the newly formed Centerview Cemetery Association. Today, the association holds an annual workday for descendants of early Centerview residents, who come together to preserve their community's history.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.
Sabine County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.