Fort McKavett Cemetery
Graves: 580+ (1852-active)
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.
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.
In the mid-19th century, German immigrants began migrating to the area, including Captain Gustav Schleicher, a surveyor and politician who played a significant role in the development of the county. The county was officially established in 1887 and was named in honor of Captain Schleicher. The founding of Eldorado, the county seat, soon followed.
The economy of Schleicher County was initially based on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century brought further economic growth and improved transportation in the area. However, the Great Depression greatly affected the county, causing a decline in population and economic activity.
In the mid-20th century, the oil industry became a major player in Schleicher County's economy. The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin brought new jobs and prosperity to the region. Today, Schleicher County remains an agricultural and oil-producing area, with an economy that is also dependent on hunting, ranching, and tourism.
Throughout its history, Schleicher County has witnessed significant changes, from the arrival of settlers and the establishment of the county seat to economic booms and busts. The county's rich heritage is preserved in its museums, historical sites, and the stories of its residents, offering a glimpse into the captivating history of this Texas county.
Schleicher County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Schleicher County, Texas.
- 1880 - Schleicher County is established and named after Gustav Schleicher, a Texas legislator and Confederate colonel.
- 1882 - Eldorado becomes the county seat.
- Late 1880s - Ranching becomes the dominant industry in the county.
- 1890s - Schleicher County experiences population growth with settlers drawn to the area's fertile land.
- 1920s - The oil boom leads to increased economic activity in the county.
- Mid-1930s - The Great Depression causes a decline in the county's population and economy.
- 1940s - Schleicher County supports the war effort during World War II.
- 1950s - The introduction of irrigation further boosts agriculture in the county.
- 1970s - The county's population experiences steady growth.
- 2000s - The county's economy remains mainly dependent on ranching and agriculture.