Historic Cemetery

Futch Cemetery

2650 CR, Chester, Texas 75936
Location: Driving Directions:From US 287 go 3.9 miles north-northeast on FM 2097 (at 3.9 miles FM 2097 becomes CR 2650). Continue on CR 2650 for anther 0.3 mile. Turn right onto CR 2670 and go 3.9 miles to fork. At fork stay to the right and continue for another 1.4 miles. At this point, turn right into old logging road and follow road to fork. There is a large “no trespassing” sign and “road closed” sign posted at fork, continue past signs, staying to the left. Cemetery is approx. 2,091 ft. south of CR 2670, on right (south) side of old logging road, just south of fork. This cemetery is highly endangered. It is a map feature, but it is located in a remote area on private property. It is not fully fenced and is heavily overgrown. Three formal headstones were observed. Two of these were damaged or displaced by fallen trees and tree limbs. There are numerous fieldstone markers. At least one has an inscription. There are also Crape Myrtle marker trees. The cemetery is threatened by two very large, dead pines that are leaning toward the center of the cemetery. While conducting this survey, a large rattlesnake was observed in the cemetery.

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