Hawkins Cemetery
Named for Harvey Hawkins (1804-1869), a pioneer settler who came to Texas from
Tennessee and first settled in Rusk County, the Hawkins Cemetery is the final
resting place for families of the Tate Springs community. In 1848, Hawkins
married Mary Ann Elizabeth (Elliott) Hitt Turner (1817-1868) and they later
traveled by wagon to what would beocme Tarrant County. A preemptive land grand
was issued to Hawkins for 160 acres in Tarrant County by Sam Houston, governor
of the State of Texas, in January 1860.
The cemetery began as a family plot located in the center of the property where
the Hawkins couple and their children are buried. According to legend, a slave
named Poly Penn was the first burial. No gravestone has been found but the
location was marked on an early map. The earliest marked gravesite is that of
Mary Hawkins in 1868. Rebekah Hawkins, Mary's daughter, married Jason Bryant
Little before moving with her family to Tarrant County and settled near the
Hawkins family. After Jason returned from fighting in the Civil War, they
opened an elementary school. Their home was used as a stage coach stop on the
Star Mail Route from Johnson Station, Texas to Fort Worth. A large arched
monument stands at the north end of the cemetery, marking the gravesites of
Rebekah, Jason and their families.
In 1890, property owner George W. Kee sold the cemetery grounds to the
community for use as a public burial ground. The Kee family is buried on the
norther section of the cemetery. Additional acreage was acquired in 1919 from
the Edwards and Tunnell families. Members of the community established a
Cemetery Association in 1949 to maintain the cemetery and its records. Hawkins
Cemetery chronicles the pioneer families that settled the area in the
mid-1800s.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2015
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.
During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.
Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.
Tarrant County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tarrant County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.
1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.
1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.
Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.
20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.
Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.
Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.