Historic Cemetery

Leesburg Cemetery

Texas
Location: SH 11 / FM 1519 intersection - 7 mi. W of Pittsburg. PO Box 70, Pittsburg, TX 75686.
The Leesburg Cemetery in Pittsburg, Texas, has a historical legacy dating back to the mid-19th century. The cemetery was established in 1850, making it over 170 years old. It serves as the final resting place for many early settlers and prominent figures in the local community.

Leesburg itself was a bustling town during the mid-1800s, located on the banks of the Sabine River. It was the seat of government for the newly formed Camp County from 1874 to 1880. However, with the arrival of the railroad, nearby Pittsburg emerged as a more prominent city, leading to the decline of Leesburg.

The cemetery reflects the history and heritage of the area. It contains the gravesites of early pioneers, soldiers, and community leaders, providing a glimpse into the past. Many of the tombstones and markers in the cemetery date back to the 19th century, preserving the memory of those who contributed to the growth and development of the region.

Today, the Leesburg Cemetery stands as a historical landmark, reminding visitors of the area's rich history and the people who shaped it. The cemetery's significance lies in its connection to the early settlement and growth of Leesburg and the surrounding region, making it a place of remembrance and reverence.
Source: Tx Co Hwy map on-line; THC records; Tx Funeral Services Commission

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.