Historic Cemetery

Walters Cemetery

a.k.a. Bass

Warren, Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From Warren/US 69, go 2.3 miles west on FM 1943. Turn right onto gated logging road and go 0.7 mile south. Turn right at intersection and go 2.0 miles south. Turn right at intersection and go 0.2 mile south. At 90 degree bend in road, stop and walk approx. 220 ft. west. Small cemetery is located on logged ridge just east of Hickory Creek.The cemetery is highly endangered. It is not a map feature and is located in a very remote location on private property. There are no signs posted indicating a cemetery, and in order to access the cemetery, one must travel approx. 3.0 miles on winding logging roads that may only be accessible by four wheel drive vehicle. The cemetery consists of four marked graves. Two have stamped concrete headstones. One has a wood stake marker. The fourth has a Woodmen of the World marble log marker, which has fallen. A dilapidated barbed wire fenced encloses the four graves. The cemetery is threatened by encroaching logging, neglect, and brush fires. The area surrounding the cemetery had been recently logged and burned. The cemetery appears to have been visited shortly before the survey. Three of the graves were scraped, and the wood grave marker was marked with survey flagging.Inscription on WOW marker reads:Albert E. BassBorn Oct. 11, 1884Died Sept. 19, 1912Inscriptions on the concrete markers read:W. T. BassHusband of J. E. BassBorn Jan. 15, 1859Died Aug. 14, 1889Gone But Not ForgottenNaney Daughter of W. T. & J. E. BassFeb. 16, 1882June 1, 1888Gon To Heaven.

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
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Tyler County, located in Southeast Texas, has a rich history rooted in agriculture, forestry, and oil production. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Alabama-Coushatta and the Attakapas, who settled along the Trinity River. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1820s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1837, Tyler County was officially established and named after President John Tyler. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth as settlers cleared the land for farming and ranching. Cotton became a dominant crop, and steamboats navigated the Trinity River, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Tyler County, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The economy suffered as cotton production declined, but the discovery of oil in 1893 revitalized the region. The Spindletop oil boom led to an oil rush in East Texas, including Tyler County, fueling economic growth and population expansion.

Throughout the 20th century, Tyler County continued to rely on agriculture and oil, but also embraced the forestry industry. The dense forests in the area provided vast timber reserves, leading to the establishment of lumber mills and paper mills. The county's economy thrived as timber and oil production increased, supporting a diverse range of industries.

Today, Tyler County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil production, and tourism. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Big Thicket National Preserve, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rich history and strong sense of community make Tyler County a unique and appealing place to live or visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tyler County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Tyler County, TX was organized and named after President John Tyler.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Tyler County joined the Confederacy.
  • 1872 - The Timpson and Henderson Railroad was completed, connecting Tyler County to the railway network.
  • 1907 - The East Texas Timber Company established a sawmill, leading to a boom in the timber industry.
  • 1938 - Big Thicket National Preserve was established to protect the unique ecological diversity of the area.
  • 1973 - The Allan B. Shivers Library and Museum was opened to honor the former Texas governor.
  • 1998 - Tyler County suffered significant damage from flooding caused by Hurricane Danielle.