Historic Cemetery

Flat Prairie Cemetery

Burton, Texas 77835
Location: Flat Prairie Cemetery—TxGenWeb: Texas Landmark “301605N 0963742W Flag Pond.,” Near McCain Creek Park and Somerville Lake Topo Map in file. THC site visit MB 7/18/03 MB: N off FM 594, near Washington Co line. TxDoT map shows as Zion Hill [??] Large fenced site making ell shape around unassociated church. Adjacent to rural residential, wooded area and church. Considerable diversity of formal and in formal markers, diversity over time. Obelisks, curbing, folk and homemade markers, tin markers. Ethnic diversity of community. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials. Seasonal maintenance. US veterans. Approx 3.56 acres. GPS 30.16.16.38063N –96.37.05.03456W. Quad 3096-242Low risk endangerment, seasonal maintenance but still in use, fenced, sign, on map.

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