Historic cemeteries in
Polk, Texas

Abbott Springs Meadows Cemetery Adams Cemetery Alabama-Coushatta Cemetery At Indian Village Alexander Cemetery Bailey Cemetery Barfield Cemetery Barney Wiggins Memorial Park Cemetery Beard Cemetery Beard Private Family Cemetery Bethel Cemetery Beulah Cemetery Big Sandy Community Church Cemetery Bluewater Cemetery Bluff Creek Cemetery Bold Springs Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Bracewell Hill Cemetery Brown Cemetery Burch Family Cemetery Burroughs Cemetery Butler Cemetery Camden Cemetery Camp Ruby Cemetery Camp Ruby Community Church Cemetery Annex Canon Cemetery Carmona Community Church Cemetery Carrington Cemetery Carrington-Lyle Cemetery Center Grove Chapel Cemetery Colita Church Cemetery Collins Cemetery Cook Family Cemetery Copeland Cemetery Damascus Cemetery Darby-Holcomb Cemetery Darden Cemetery Davis Cemetery Davis Cemetery At Caney Creek DeLaFosse Cemetery Doughty Family Cemetery Drew Collins Cemetery Fairfield Cemetery Feagin Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery Friendship Cemetery Garner Prairie Church Cemetery Gassiott Cemetery Gay Cemetery George Cemetery Glover Cemetery Gordon Family Cemetery Grace Hill Baptist Church Cemtery Cemetery Greenfield Cemetery Guilding Star Sanctified Church Cemetery Hammond Cemetery Harding Family Cemetery Havis Cemetery Hickman Family Cemetery Hicks Cemetery At Abel Hill Place Holcomb Cemetery Holhousen-Darby Cemetery Hubert Cemetery Indian Baptist Cemetery Indian Baptist Currie Cemetery J. A. S. Turner Cemetery John Turner Cemetery Johnson Cemetery Jones Prairie Cemetery Jones-Carr Cemetery Kent Cemetery Kibbie Field Cemetery Knox Cemetery Lilly Island Cemetery Lima Cemetery Lyons Cemetery Magnolia Cemetery Magnolia Hill Cemetery Marion Davis Cemetery Massey Cemetery Matthews Grave Cemetery Meekins Family Cemetery Menard Cemetery Midway Cemetery Midway Cemetery At Pickney Modica Family Cemetery Moore Cemetery Moscow Cemetery Mt Rose Cemetery Nelson Rice Cemetery Nettles Cemetery New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Nowlin Cemetery Oakdale Cemetery Oates Cemetery Old Barnes (African American) Cemetery Old Livingston Founders Cemetery Parrish Cemetery Peebles Cemetery Peebles Cemetery At Israel Peg Top Cemetery Pine Grove Cemetery Pine Grove Church Of Christ Cemetery Pine Ridge Cemetery Pluck Memorial Cemetery Providence #1 Baptist Church Cemetery Pullen-Davis-Toney Family Cemetery R.A. McCaghren Cemetery Restland Memorial Cemetery Rowe-Dunham Cemetery Shiloah Methodist Cemetery Simmons Cemetery Simmons Cemetery Smith Cemetery Smith Cemetery At Beard Smith Family Cemetery Snell-Read Family Cemetery Spring Hill Schoolhouse Cemetery St Andrews Cemetery Stryker #2 Cemetery Swartout Cemetery Sykes, Laura Cemetery Taylor Cemetery Towns Cemetery Union Springs Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Unknown Grave Cemetery Unknown On Rock Island Road Cemetery Usher Cemetery Victory Cemetery Wagner Hill Cemetery Waldrep Cemetery Watson-Ollie-Dickens Cemetery Watts And Jones Cemetery West Tempe Cemetery Wheeler Cemetery Whitehead Cemetery Whiteside Cemetery Williams, John Van Family Cemetery Wright Cemetery Zimmerman Singletary Cemetery
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

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

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.