Historic Cemetery

Kicaster Cemetery

Kicaster Community SW of LaVernia, Texas
Location: NW of Stockdale. Take FM 775 (Sulfur Springs Road) south out of La Vernia 5 miles Turn right on FM 3432 2 miles to Kicaster ice house. Turn left on 324 and cemetery is on the right (west) side of road.

Source: Cemeteries of Wilson County (over 130 cemeteries and burial plots) by I.Meyr; THC records; USGS

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 known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
Texas random facts
Wilson County, Texas, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich history that reaches back to early Native American settlements. The Karankawa tribe was the first known inhabitants of the area, living off the abundant natural resources the region had to offer. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 18th century brought about significant changes in the area.

In the early 1800s, the region that is now Wilson County was part of the DeWitt Colony, a settlement established by Green DeWitt. The area played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Refugio taking place nearby in 1836. As the conflict between Texas colonists and Mexican forces raged on, the region became a hotbed of activity and witnessed significant military actions.

Wilson County was officially established in 1860, named in honor of James Charles Wilson, a Texas state legislator who fought in the battle of San Jacinto. The county experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to the establishment of ranching and farming communities. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic development.

The county faced challenges in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves brought renewed economic prosperity to the area. Today, Wilson County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The region has preserved much of its historical heritage and continues to celebrate its unique cultural and historical significance.

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

  • February 13, 1854 - Wilson County established by the Texas legislature
  • 1856 - County seat established in Floresville
  • Late 1800s - Growth in agriculture sector, primarily cotton farming
  • 1902 - Construction of the Wilson County Courthouse completed
  • 1930s - Economic decline due to the Great Depression
  • 1940s - World War II leads to increased military presence in the area
  • Mid-1960s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • 1970s - Growth in population and expansion of Floresville
  • 1998 - The Floresville Peanut Festival established
  • 2010 - Rapid population growth and increased development