Historical Marker

Fairview Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Brownwood vicinity, Texas
( from Brownwood take SH 279 north about 15.5 miles; turn west on FM 1850, cross FM 585 to CR 108/110 intersection - marker at back of cemetery)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This community cemetery has served the people of rural Brown County for more than a century. James Jackson Martin (1847-1898) and Daniel Hulse (1822-1880) each donated land for the cemetery after settling in this area prior to 1878. Later donations by A. A. Martin and F. B. Smiley enlarged the cemetery. The first person buried here was Mrs. M. C. Cain, who died in April 1878. Four months later James William Martin, two-year-old son of J. J. Martin, died and was interred here on land donated by his father. A combination school and church building was built on the west side of the cemetery in the 1870s, and later was replaced by another structure on the east side of the property. Both the Fairview Baptist Church and the Methodist Church met here. Among the more than five hundred graves in the Fairview Cemetery are those of many area pioneers. Also interred here are veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1978, one hundred years after the first burial, a cemetery association was organized to maintain the historic graveyard. The Fairview Cemetery stands as a reminder of the area's early heritage. (1991)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites
Texas does believe in a fair deal and clean politics
Molly Ivins in Fond Farewell
Brown County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache and Comanche, prior to European settlement. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by American explorers and traders in the early 1830s.

The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.

Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.

Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.

Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brown County, Texas.

  • 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
  • 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
  • 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
  • 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
  • 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
  • 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
  • Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
  • 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
  • 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
  • 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.
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