Historical Marker

Richland Cemetery

Historical marker location:
E FM 69, Sulphur Springs, Texas
( Sulphur Springs, 7 mi. E on FM 69)
Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: HTC marker

Richland Cemetery

Unmarked graves here may date to 1872, the year the Richland Baptist Church bought the site and the Richland School was established here. The earliest marked grave dates to 1878; two earlier ones, dated 1873 and 1876, are reinterments. Many veterans, including more than a dozen of the Civil War, are buried here. The Richland Cemetery Society maintained the graveyard from 1922 to 1962, when the Richland Cemetery Association formed. Although the school and original church are gone, the site now provides an enduring link to the area's early history.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002

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.

gravesites
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Hopkins County, located in northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, until European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s. In 1841, the Texas Congress established Hopkins County and named it after Samuel Hopkins, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1870s. The construction of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, opened up new opportunities for trade and agriculture in the area. This led to an increase in population and the establishment of several communities, including Sulphur Springs, the county seat.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The introduction of new farming techniques and machinery further improved productivity. In addition to agriculture, the county also had thriving industries such as dairy farming, timber harvesting, and oil and gas production.

Over the years, Hopkins County has maintained its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments. Today, the county is known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival, which celebrates the community's history and culture. It also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historic sites, attracting visitors from near and far. Hopkins County continues to be a vibrant and evolving community, combining its rich history with a focus on progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Hopkins County is formed from portions of Lamar and Nacogdoches counties.
  • 1849 - The county's first settlement, Tarrant, is established.
  • 1870 - The city of Sulphur Springs is founded as the county seat.
  • 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1884 - The county courthouse, known as the "Old White Courthouse," is constructed in Sulphur Springs.
  • 1961 - Lake Fork Reservoir is completed, providing a new recreational attraction for the county.
  • 1985 - The city of Sulphur Springs is designated as the "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Capital."
  • 2000 - The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to honor local veterans.