Historic Cemetery

Las Escobas Ranch Cemetery

San Carlos, Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From FM 649/FM 3167 junction in El Sauz, go approx. 5.4 miles north on FM 649. Turn left at Las Escobas Rd. and go 2.7 miles west-northwest. When the road forks, stay left and go another 0.3 mile to ranch complex. From this point, the cemetery is located approx. 264 ft. northwest of the newest ranch house. Cemetery is located between ranch outbuildings at rear of complex.The cemetery is highly endangered. It is a map feature and is located on private property. No cemetery signs are posted. The cemetery is fully fenced, maintained, and frequently visited. A primary feature of this cemetery is a concrete and stucco, vaulted crypt that has a gabled façade. F. G. H. is spelled out in large letters across the vault. This feature is highly eroded. A second grave is marked with double steel crosses that are oriented north-south. According to the current land owner, there are at least two unmarked graves in the cemetery.According to local tradition, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. The vaulted crypt supposedly dates to the early 19th century.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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.

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