Williams 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.
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.
In the early 19th century, San Augustine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico. However, tensions soon arose as American settlers began to outnumber the Mexican population. This led to the Texas Revolution in 1836, and San Augustine County played an important role in the struggle for Texan independence. The town of San Augustine served as the headquarters of the Texas Revolutionary Army during the Battle of Nacogdoches.
After Texas gained its independence, San Augustine County became a part of the Republic of Texas. The area saw rapid growth and development during this time, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The county's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The timber industry also played a significant role, as the county was rich in valuable timber resources.
In the 20th century, San Augustine County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the county has worked hard to preserve its rich history and promote tourism. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Mission Dolores State Historic Site, which features the remains of an 18th-century Spanish mission, and the Augus Theater, a historic movie theater that has been restored to its former glory. San Augustine County remains a place where the past intertwines with the present, showcasing the resilience and rich heritage of East Texas.
San Augustine County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of San Augustine County, Texas.
- 1717: San Augustine County is established as the first Spanish municipality in Texas.
- 1824: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
- 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1846: The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States, and San Augustine County becomes part of the state of Texas.
- 1896: The town of San Augustine is incorporated.
- 1939: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department establishes the Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine County.
- 1980: The county courthouse in San Augustine is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1991: San Augustine County celebrates its 275th anniversary.