Historic Cemetery

Las Escobas Ranch Cemetery

San Carlos, Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From FM 649/FM 3167 junction in El Sauz, go approx. 5.4 miles north on FM 649. Turn left at Las Escobas Rd. and go 2.7 miles west-northwest. When the road forks, stay left and go another 0.3 mile to ranch complex. From this point, the cemetery is located approx. 264 ft. northwest of the newest ranch house. Cemetery is located between ranch outbuildings at rear of complex.The cemetery is highly endangered. It is a map feature and is located on private property. No cemetery signs are posted. The cemetery is fully fenced, maintained, and frequently visited. A primary feature of this cemetery is a concrete and stucco, vaulted crypt that has a gabled façade. F. G. H. is spelled out in large letters across the vault. This feature is highly eroded. A second grave is marked with double steel crosses that are oriented north-south. According to the current land owner, there are at least two unmarked graves in the cemetery.According to local tradition, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. The vaulted crypt supposedly dates to the early 19th century.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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.

gravesites
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Texas random facts
Starr County is located in the southwestern part of Texas, near the Mexican border. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Caddo, Coahuiltecan, and Lipan Apache, before being colonized by European explorers. In the late 1700s, Spanish settlers arrived in the region and established several ranches and missions.

During the 19th century, Starr County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. It was a site of numerous conflicts between Texan settlers and Mexican forces, leading to the establishment of Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City as a means of protection. The county was officially created in 1848, named after James Harper Starr, the Secretary of the Treasury under the Republic of Texas.

Farming and ranching became the primary economic activities in Starr County during the 20th century. The introduction of irrigation systems in the early 1900s allowed for the cultivation of citrus fruits, vegetables, and cotton. The county also became known for its cattle ranches and oil production. However, the region faced challenges, including droughts, economic fluctuations, and the impact of the Mexican Revolution.

In recent years, Starr County has experienced population growth and development, with advancements in education, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. The area continues to rely on agriculture and ranching, as well as tourism from visitors interested in its historical and cultural heritage. Despite its location near the border, Starr County maintains a strong sense of community and remains an important part of Texas' history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Starr County, Texas.

  • 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War and brings the area under US control.
  • 1849: Starr County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1850s: The county experiences a surge in population due to the ranching and farming opportunities in the area.
  • 1861: Texas secedes from the Union, and Starr County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1865: Civil War ends, and Starr County is reintegrated into the Union.
  • 1870s-1880s: The county's economy grows with the expansion of the railroad and the arrival of new settlers.
  • 1900: A devastating hurricane hits the region, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1919: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to the development of oil fields and boosting the local economy.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1960s: The Chicano Movement gains momentum in Starr County, advocating for equal rights and social change for Mexican Americans.
  • 1990s: Maquiladoras (border factories) become an important part of the county's economy, providing employment opportunities.