Historic Cemetery

Friendship Cemetery

Giddings, Texas
Location: Friendship Cemetery--Giddings, Tx (area)SSEE Lee Co, Tx Cems, vol 1-2 (1991)—comment that cem located on both sides of county line, but USGS maps show it as 0.5 mile into Bastrop Co. US Hwy 290 W from Giddings for 6.9 miles. Turn left on CR 202 for a 0.4 mile to cemetery on right. Oart of this cem. is in Bastrop Co and part in Lee Co. Well kept, enclosed in chain link. Index.”--Tombstone. THC Site visit MB 10/04/03 Fenced formal site, diversity of markers over time. Appears to be right at very edge of county line, pavent changes from paved to gravel at edge of cem. USGS shows inside Bastrop, mileage shows right at edge. VERIFY!Local hstoric marker, German community history. Recent addition of 1 acre on back, N side of cem. Graves to either side of central grassy area. Diversity of markers over time, formal to informal, also including fieldstones and local and folk practices. Graves face E, with several children’s graves on far E fence. Remainder on W side of grassy median. High hill, vista to S and W. Mowed grasses, a few Cedar marker trees. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials. Giddings area, S of US 290 on CR202 for 0.5 miles, appears to be exactly on the BP and LE county lines, pavement changes at cemetery. Annex appears to be recently enclosed to W. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials. US veterans. Approx 2.09 acres. GPS 30.11.25.97339N –97.04.00.95620W Quad 3097-114.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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 has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Lee County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1874. Originally part of Bastrop County, it was named after Robert E. Lee, the controversial Confederate general. The area was primarily settled by German immigrants, who brought with them a strong agricultural tradition that shaped the county's economy.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became known for its cotton production, and many rural communities emerged to support the farming industry. The county seat, Giddings, became a thriving commercial center, with businesses and institutions establishing themselves to meet the needs of the growing population.

The 20th century brought both challenges and progress to Lee County. The devastating effects of the Great Depression hit the agricultural sector hard, leading to a decline in cotton farming. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy, venturing into cattle ranching and the production of other crops. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought a new wave of economic growth.

Lee County has also played a significant role in Texas history. It is home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Dawson Massacre and the Texas Revolution. Today, Lee County continues to be a rural and historically significant part of Texas, with a strong sense of community and a blend of diverse cultural influences.

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

  • 1874: Lee County is established on February 11, named after Robert E. Lee.
  • 1878: The town of Giddings is established as the county seat.
  • 1881: The Texas and New Orleans Railroad is completed, leading to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1907: Lee County Courthouse is built, replacing the original courthouse constructed in 1878.
  • 1920s: Cotton becomes a major crop for the county, leading to prosperous years for local farmers.
  • 1960s: The decline of cotton production begins, and farmers shift to other crops and livestock.
  • 1996: The Lee County Youth Center is opened to provide juvenile offenders with rehabilitative services.
  • 2011: The county is severely affected by drought and wildfires, causing significant damage to agricultural lands.
  • Present: Lee County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with a growing emphasis on diversifying the local economy.