Historic Cemetery

Wallis Cemetery

a.k.a. Wallis Ranch

Llano, Texas
Location: South of Llano on Hwy 16 to 9535 on west side. West 100 yards to grave on north side of gravel road, on south side of fence.

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
Llano County, TX is located in the central part of the state, and its history dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. In the early 1830s, European settlers began to establish settlements along the Llano River, attracted by its fertile land and abundant wildlife.

The county was officially founded in 1856, and its name was derived from the Spanish word "llano," meaning plain or flat land. Llano quickly became a center for ranching and farming, with early settlers raising cattle, sheep, and crops such as cotton and corn. The county's population grew steadily over the next few decades, and by the late 1800s, it had become an important hub of commerce and trade in the region.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Llano County experienced several boom and bust cycles, largely tied to the mining industry. The discovery of granite and other minerals in the area led to a period of economic prosperity, with numerous quarrying and mining operations throughout the county. However, these industries eventually declined, leading to a downturn in the local economy.

In recent years, Llano County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. The region's natural beauty, including the picturesque Llano River and stunning granite formations, has attracted visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Llano County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, unique historical sites, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

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

  • 1852 - Llano County is established by the Texas Legislature.
  • 1856 - The county's first permanent settlement, Baby Head, is founded.
  • 1860 - Llano becomes the county seat.
  • 1873 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1892 - The Llano News, the county's first newspaper, is established.
  • 1935 - Enchanted Rock, a massive granite dome, becomes a state park.
  • 1965 - Llano County Historical Survey Committee is organized.
  • 1993 - The Bluebonnet Trail Scenic Highway is designated.
  • 2002 - The Llano River is designated as a Texas state scenic river.