Pleasant Hill Cemetery

TX-323, Overton, Texas 75684
Location: Hwy 87 south 12 miles to FM 139, turn left and go 7 miles to CR 3184 for 4 miles to Forestry Rd 126. Turn left for one mile. The cemetery is on the left side of the road and the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church is on the right.

Graves: 250 (1890 to present)

Size: 167.9 ft x 180.9 ft x 157.7 ft x 184.9 ft

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.

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In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Shelby County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Atakapa, and Hasinai. The first European explorers, including Spanish and French explorers, arrived in the area in the 18th century. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that permanent settlement began.

In 1835, the Mexican government granted land in the area to Stephen F. Austin's colony, which attracted many settlers to Shelby County. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Isaac Shelby, who was the first governor of Kentucky. The county's population grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, it became a major center for agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop.

During the Civil War, Shelby County, like many other parts of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. It sent many men to fight in the Confederate army, and the local economy suffered from the effects of the war. However, the county rebounded after the war, and by the late 19th century, it experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas reserves.

In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to thrive, with the oil and gas industries playing a significant role in its economy. The county also witnessed significant social and political changes, with the Civil Rights Movement bringing about integration and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Shelby County remains an important agricultural and industrial center, with a mix of rural landscapes and urban developments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Shelby County, Texas.

  • 1823 - Shelby County is established
  • 1836 - Shelby County plays a role in the Texas Revolution
  • 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, including Shelby County
  • 1859 - The Texas State Legislature establishes Center as the county seat of Shelby County
  • 1861-1865 - Shelby County is deeply affected by the American Civil War
  • 1905 - The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in Shelby County
  • 1940s-1950s - Shelby County experiences a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration
  • 1976 - Shelby County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2000s - Shelby County continues to be home to a diverse and vibrant community