Historic Cemetery

Unknown 1 Cemetery

Dallas, Arkansas
Location: Driving Directions:From Northwest Hwy W., go 0.1 mile south on Midway Rd. Turn right at Cochran Chapel Rd. and go 0.5 mile west. Cemetery is located west of house at 4005 Cochran Chapel Rd., approximately 300 ft. west of road, north of a small, fenced airport parcel.This cemetery is highly endangered and will soon disappear if immediate action is not taken. The cemetery site has been recently cleared with some evidence of surface scraping and dumping. Two fieldstone markers with no inscriptions were observed in situ. A cut sandstone base with a fragment of a marble headstone, a metal funeral marker with paper insert, and cut sandstone block were observed near a mound of fill and bricks. These markers appear to be displaced. It is unclear where the nucleus of the cemetery is but it is probably at the center of the cleared lot. The lot is bounded by the Sherwood Apartment complex to the northwest, north, and northeast sides, by a house and garage on the east side, and by a vacant lot and park to the south and southwest. The area has been significantly disturbed.

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.

gravesites
Arkansas was the first land I ever knew, in my mother’s womb, in the rocks, in the rivers, in the forests, in the fields, in the bones of birds.
Alice Childress in Mojo: A Black Love Story
Dallas County, Arkansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw tribes. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and cultivating crops.

In 1803, the United States, under the Louisiana Purchase, acquired the land that would eventually become Dallas County. In the early 19th century, settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily from other parts of the southern United States. The county was officially established in 1845 and named after George M. Dallas, the Vice President of the United States at the time.

The economy of Dallas County has relied on agriculture since its early days. Cotton became the dominant crop in the region, and large plantations were established to grow and harvest it. Slavery was also prevalent in Dallas County during this time, with many enslaved individuals working on the plantations.

During the Civil War, Dallas County was occupied by Union forces. The war brought significant changes to the region, including the end of slavery and the displacement of many residents. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, shifting from large plantations to small farms and diversifying the agricultural industry.

Today, Dallas County is known for its natural beauty, with the Ouachita River winding through the area and the picturesque village of Fordyce as one of its main towns. The county continues to be agriculturally driven, producing crops such as soybeans, corn, and poultry. With its rich history and scenic landscapes, Dallas County offers a glimpse into Arkansas's past and present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dallas County, Arkansas.

  • 1818 - Dallas County is established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1830 - Early settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1834 - Princeton is designated as the county seat.
  • 1846 - Dallas County courthouse is built in Princeton.
  • 1859 - The county seat is moved to Princetonville.
  • 1864 - The county seat is moved to Princeton once again.
  • 1874 - The county seat is moved to Fordyce, where it remains today.
  • 1882 - The railroad arrives in Fordyce, bringing economic growth.
  • 1884 - Fordyce is formally incorporated as a city.
  • 1903 - The Dallas County courthouse in Fordyce is completed.
  • 1930s - Timber becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1950s - The county experiences population growth due to industrial development.
  • 1995 - The Dallas County Museum is established in Fordyce.