Historic Cemetery

Old La Reforma Cemetery

Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From FM 1017 in La Reforma, go 0.7 mile south-west on Delmita Road. At wire gate on right side of road, go north approx. 0.2 mile (1,267 ft.), following old road. Cemetery is located to right (east) of old road in wooded area. The cemetery is highly endangered. It is a map feature, but it is located in a remote area on private property. The original cemetery road has all but disappeared. There is no direct access from a public highway, and there are no cemetery signs posted. The cemetery is fully fenced, but it is not maintained and is very overgrown. Many of the grave markers are fallen, missing, or damaged, which is most likely due to grazing livestock. Cemetery features include marker plants, locally cast concrete markers, homemade wooden cross markers, concrete grave slabs, and one fenced, individual plot.

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
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.