Historical Marker

Garza-Valadez Cemetery

This burial ground is one of three that served the Old Lodi Settlement. Most of the individuals interred here were Texans of Mexican descent. The oldest known burial is of Polonio Garcia, who died in 1883, though there may be earlier interments. Others buried here include Civil War veteran Juan de la Garza, and World War I veterans Vicente Garza and Jesus Valdez. The cemetery features crosses, grave slabs, spanish language inscriptions and an enclosure made of red bricks similar to those used in building the Wilson County Courthouse. Today, the cemetery remains active and continues as a reminder of the area’s pioneering Hispanic community.