Historic Cemetery

Hinds Family Cemetery

Washington, Texas
Location: Hinds Cemetery—TxGenWeb: “In Washington Area.” --Recorded WASH01—Parsons. Cem Recs of Washington Co (1974): “301533 – 960819 –small cem on top of hill, all graves enclosed by iron fence. Approx 6 graves, earliest Hinds marker dated about 1840s. Index.” [Check GPS. Shows as near Mt. Zion Ch, W of intersection of CR 113 and FM 2276. Topo Zone map in file.]THC site visit MB 1/21/05 w/ A Hartstack: Washington, Tx area. FM 1155 to FM 1377, ranch owned by T. Moore, currently managed by Preston Boenker but scheduled for subdivision. Reportedly development company conducting cultural resources mapping prior to land divisions. Formal fenced site on hill with dramatic vista to W, approx 2,000 ft.E from original homeplace, 2,800 ft. S from entrance at FM 1377. Heavy iron fencing, obelisksApprox 0.02 acre fenced family plot, surrounding area may include unmarked graves.GPS 30.15.28.25235N –96.08.18.77402WUSGS 3096-142Moderate to high risk endangerment, area scheduled for subdivision, but site fenced, seasonally maintained, on map, charted as cultural resource by new landowners.

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.