Historic Cemetery

Bell Cemetery

Vernon, Texas 76384

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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Wilbarger County, located in north-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita, who relied on the fertile land for hunting and gathering. In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the abundant water supply provided by the Red River.

The county was officially established in 1858 and named after Josiah Pugh Wilbarger, a well-known scout and explorer. During the Civil War, the area saw significant conflict as it was situated on the Great Western Trail, a route used by Confederate forces. After the war, Wilbarger County gradually became an agricultural hub, with cotton becoming the primary crop. This led to a period of prosperity for the county as cotton production boomed.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wilbarger County faced numerous challenges, including droughts, floods, and economic downturns. However, the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s brought a new era of prosperity. Oil drilling and production became a major industry, bringing wealth and economic growth to the county. The population also experienced a significant increase during this time, with people moving into the area to take advantage of employment opportunities.

As the county grew, infrastructure development became a priority. The construction of highways and the expansion of railroads improved transportation and facilitated trade in the area. Today, Wilbarger County continues to rely on agriculture and oil production as its primary industries, while also diversifying into other sectors such as healthcare and education. The county's rich history is celebrated and preserved through various historical markers, museums, and events, providing a glimpse into its past for future generations.

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

  • 1858: Wilbarger County is formally established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1879: The county's first courthouse is constructed in the town of Vernon.
  • 1890: The first railroad, the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway, is completed in the county.
  • 1929-1933: Wilbarger County is severely affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1955: The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to an oil boom.
  • 1960s-1970s: The cotton industry declines in Wilbarger County.
  • 1982: The Wilbarger County Historical Museum is opened in Vernon.
  • 1995: The Texas State Legislature designates Hardeman-Wilbarger Counties as a scenic drive.
  • 2000s: Wind energy becomes an increasingly important industry in the county.