Historic Cemetery

Sabino Cemetery

a.k.a. Cavazos Family Cemetery

Raymondville, Texas 78580
Location: S. of El Sabino Ranch; north of Paso Real. From Raymondville, take US 77 south through Lyford and before reaching Sebastian turn right (east) on FM 1018. Continue on the paved FM 1018 unitl it ends at a “T” intersection with another paved FM road (no number). Continue straight ahead (east) on a gravel road, which will shortly begin to run along side the north levee of the International Boundary Commission’s floodway. The next intersection is Old Alice Stage Road where you have a choice of turning left on the Old Stage Road, turning right over the levee, or going straight ahead on a dirt track along the base of the levee. Turn right up the levee slope and left on the single lane gravel road at the top of the levee. Follow this road a few hundred yards until you see the cemetery on the left, below the levee.

Source: Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; USGS; theyspeak; Rootsweb; TxDot map 1997

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
Willacy County, located in the southernmost part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history. Originally a part of Cameron County, it was officially established as a separate county on February 11, 1911. The county was named after John G. Willacy, a state legislator who played a significant role in creating the new county.

The area was primarily inhabited by indigenous people for centuries before European colonizers arrived in the 18th century. The Spanish explorers and missionaries had a significant influence on the region, establishing several missions and ranchos. The impact of Spanish colonization can still be seen in the county's numerous Spanish place names.

During the 19th century, settlement began to increase with the arrival of European and American settlers. Agriculture, especially cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy. The development of railroads in the late 1800s further encouraged growth, as transportation became more accessible. The completion of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway in the early 1900s played a crucial role in connecting Willacy County to other parts of the state and the country, leading to further economic expansion.

In the mid-20th century, the county's economy underwent a major shift from agriculture to oil and gas production. The discovery of oil and the establishment of oil fields brought jobs and prosperity to the area. Alongside the oil industry, the county also became known for its livestock production and tourism, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico making it a popular vacation destination. Today, Willacy County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, energy, tourism, and manufacturing.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Willacy County, Texas.

  • 1829: Mexican land grants are awarded in the area that is now Willacy County.
  • 1836: Texas gains independence from Mexico.
  • 1850s: Settlers begin to establish farms and ranches in the area.
  • 1856: The community of Santa Monica is established.
  • 1875: The town of Willacy is founded.
  • 1881: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reaches the area.
  • 1911: Willacy County is officially formed from parts of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties.
  • 1921: A hurricane devastates the area, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1930s: The region experiences an economic boom due to the discovery of oil and natural gas.
  • 1962: The Raymondville Detention Center is established as the first privately operated immigration detention center in the United States.