Historical Marker

Edens Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Universal City, Texas
( 1/8 mile northeast of intersection of FM 218 and Kitty Hawk, Universal City)
Marker installed: 1996
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Early Anglo settlers to Texas, the John Edens family arrived in Houston County in 1831. John's son Banister Edens, along with his wife Mary Walker Edens and their family, moved to Bexar County in 1855. By 1856 Banister Edens had acquired 350 acres of land near Selma on Cibolo Creek. Mary Edens died January 10, 1856, and was buried close to the family farmhouse that once stood near this site. Her grave marks the beginning of this small family cemetery. Civil War veteran Napoleon Augustus Edens, son of Banister and Mary Edens, and his wife Mary Faith Grigsby Edens moved to the family farm in 1866. They joined his father and stepmother in ranching and farming, and later bought the family farm. During the thirty-five years that Napoleon and Mary Faith Edens remained on the farm, five more burials took place in the family graveyard. The last known burial, in 1902, was that of W.K. Kella, son in law of Napoleon and Mary Faith Edens. When the Edens farm was sold in 1901, the family retained ownership of the small cemetery. The site and the grounds are maintained by Edens family descendants.

(1996)

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.