Sutton County Burial Park 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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In the late 19th century, ranching became a significant economic activity in Sutton County, with large cattle ranches dominating the landscape. The area's abundant grasslands and access to water sources made it conducive to ranching, and it attracted many ranchers looking to establish their businesses. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further stimulated growth and trade in the county.
In the early 20th century, silver mining also played a crucial role in Sutton County's history. The boom in silver production attracted miners from all over Texas and beyond. The town of Sonora, which had been established earlier as a cattle trading center, became a hub for silver mining operations. Although the silver boom was short-lived and ended by the 1920s, its impact on the economy and population of the area was significant.
Today, Sutton County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with cattle ranching being the main industry. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic canyons and rivers that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in tourism, with visitors exploring the area's history and enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Sutton County's history and vibrant present make it an intriguing part of Texas' diverse landscape.
Sutton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sutton County, Texas.
- Sutton County, TX was established in 1887.
- In 1899, the town of Sonora was founded as the county seat.
- In the early 1900s, the area experienced a boom in ranching and farming.
- In 1922, oil was discovered in Sutton County, leading to an oil boom.
- During the Great Depression, the county suffered from economic hardships.
- In the 1950s, the construction of Lake Amistad began, providing a new water source and recreational opportunities.
- In 1978, a small airplane crashed in Sutton County, resulting in the deaths of country music singer Jim Reeves and his manager.
- Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Sutton County has continued to focus on ranching, oil production, and tourism.