Historic Cemetery

Judea Cemetery

Jefferson, Texas 75657

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 also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Marion County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1860. The county was named after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox."

The early settlement in Marion County was primarily driven by the sawmill industry, as many settlers arrived to exploit the vast pine forests in the area. Lumber became a major source of economic growth, leading to the establishment of several sawmills and the development of a thriving logging community. However, the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century had a significant impact on the county's economy.

During the Civil War, Marion County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union. The county saw several skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, with the town of Jefferson acting as an important Confederate supply depot. After the war, many of the county's plantations were abandoned, and former slaves faced economic and social challenges.

In the 20th century, Marion County experienced a revival in its economy through the tourism industry. The historic town of Jefferson, with its well-preserved architecture and rich history, became a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the charm of the Old South. Today, Marion County boasts a thriving tourism sector, attracting visitors with its historic sites, museums, festivals, and recreational activities in its beautiful natural surroundings.

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

  • 1837: Marion County is established by the Republic of Texas.
  • 1841: Jefferson is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1845: Texas becomes a state.
  • 1861-1865: Marion County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1867: Marion County votes against secession from the United States.
  • 1873: Texas and Pacific Railway completes a railroad line through the county.
  • 1905: A new courthouse is built in Jefferson.
  • 1937: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1969: The Texas Historical Commission designates Jefferson as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1984: Jefferson is named the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas."