Historical Marker

Westview Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Bolton Street, Center, Texas
( From Center Square, take Hwy 87 S to MLK Blvd. Go to Daniels Street, turn right and go to Greer Street, turn left and go to Bolton Street and follow curve to stay on Bolton Street to end of road and turn left into the South Entrance of Westview Cemetery)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Situated in the east Texas hills of Shelby County, the Westview Cemetery is the final resting place for some of the area’s newly freed slaves after the civil war. After emancipation, many African Americans that chose to remain in the area worked as tenant farmers, sharecroppers or worked jobs as available. Soon, they started businesses and established churches and a school. At the time, there was no official cemetery for the black citizens as they were typically buried near former owners or near a black church.

The date of the first burial in an area known as union grave yard is not recorded as many original grave markers are lost. It is believed that the first burial was Jane Chumley Miller, a former slave in San Augustine County. The oldest remaining marker is located at the grave of Charlie Carroll from 1909. Many veterans, educators, preachers, deacons and business men and women are buried here. Garfield Richard, supposedly the personal cook to Gen. John Joseph Pershing during WWI, is buried here along with Chatman H. Daniels and R.M. brown, both former principals of the center colored school.

In 1912, an official cemetery committee formed and bought four acres of land encompassing the cemetery. More land was acquired in 1970 and 2006. The cemetery was renamed when residents decided that due to its location from the surrounding churches, the old union cemetery would now be called Westview. Funeral home records also refer to the burial ground as Center Colored Cemetery. This historic cemetery remains a testament to the African-American community in center

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
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Texas random facts
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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