Historic Cemetery

Cottonwood Cemetery

Salem, Texas
Location: Cottonwood Cem.Recorded: WOOD03–Parsons; (location in Co. Hist., vol. 2, p. 220: “…attractive well-kept small cemetery … ‘hidden away.’ The directions to site must be followed carefully. From the intersection of FM 17 and FM 779 in southwest corner of county …go 0.8 mi east on FM779 and turn south on the oiled road. After going south for 0.3 mile a small oiled road will be on the east side of the road on which you are traveling—it is very narrow and appears to be a driveway for the house that is on a small knoll here—turn on this small road, go up over this rise where the road makes a sharp turn and follow this for 0.2 mile to the cemetery. The name of the cemetery is over the gate and the area is enclosed in a wire fence. It is reported that this was the site of the Cottonwood School in the past, with church services held … each Sunday. At this time [1971] the Cottonwood Church is on FM779. Earliest death date is 1885 … 87 unmarked graves.) Farm Road 779 near Golden, TX; Cemetery Index; HbTxTHC site visit MB 12/19/03; Large cemetery, recent expansion being added site, doubling original size. S of FM 1698, off CR 2980 on CR2983. Formal markers, diversity over time. Cedar marker trees. Some fieldstones, unique markers. Floral decorative materials. Chain link fencing. Metal archway entrance. Approx. 1.6 acres. GPS 32.43.51.66710N –95.36.09.87378W.

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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