Historic Cemetery

Kermit Cemetery

Kermit, Texas
Location: SH 302 & Underwood St. From Austin St. (SH 118) and S. Poplar St. center of downtown Kermit, go south on S. Poplar St. approx. 10 blocks, right on to SH 302, approx. 10 blocks to cemetery on right.

Graves: 5000 (1911 to present)

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
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Winkler County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1887. Named after Confederate Colonel Clinton M. Winkler, the county initially saw limited settlement and development due to its remote location and arid environment. However, the arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s sparked growth in the area.

During the early years, the economy of Winkler County was primarily based on agriculture and cattle ranching. Farmers grew crops such as cotton, maize, and sorghum, while ranchers raised livestock in the vast open spaces. These industries thrived until the devastating drought of the 1930s, which severely impacted agricultural productivity and forced many residents to leave.

The discovery of oil in 1926 radically transformed the county and ushered in a new era of prosperity. Winkler County became an important player in the West Texas oil boom, attracting thousands of people in search of work and fortune. Oil companies and drilling operations quickly sprang up, providing employment and boosting the local economy. The discovery of the oilfield at Hendrick Ranch marked the beginning of a thriving oil industry that continues to this day.

Over the years, Winkler County has experienced ups and downs in its oil industry, with periods of boom and bust. However, the county has also made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, in addition to oil production, agriculture remains an important sector, with ranching and crop cultivation contributing to the local economy. Winkler County also benefits from its proximity to the Permian Basin, one of the most significant oil-producing regions in the country. Despite the challenges faced throughout its history, Winkler County has grown into a resilient community with its roots deeply intertwined with the oil industry, while also maintaining its agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1910 - Winkler County is officially established from parts of Tom Green County and Loving County.
  • 1926 - The Hendrick oilfield is discovered, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1930 - Wink, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1940s - Winkler County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the oil boom.
  • 1970 - The Wink Sink No. 1, a large sinkhole, is formed in the county.
  • 1984 - The Wink Sinkhole is designated a state park.
  • 1991 - The Wink Sinkhole expands and causes damage to infrastructure in the area.
  • 1998 - The Wink Sinkhole is closed to the public due to safety concerns.
  • 2017 - Winkler County celebrates its centennial anniversary.