Historical Marker

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Cemetery Road, Rusk, Texas
( Cedar Hill Cemetery, Cemetery Road off Main (FM 241) and Salem streets)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27"x 42" with post

Established in 1847 as the city cemetery, Cedar Hill Cemetery is located at the south edge of Rusk in Cherokee County, atop a hill surrounded by a dense forest. Some of Rusk’s oldest and most prominent residents have stone monuments in Cedar Hill such as the Bonner, Long, Miller, Perkins and Smith families. The cemetery is also the burial site for early pioneers. Prior to 1917, B.F. and Lucy Vining, land owners in Cherokee County, created the west and south additions to the cemetery property. In 1929, Vining heirs sold the rest of their land to the rusk cemetery association. The “old section” or north side of the cemetery is filled with massive cedar trees, hence the name Cedar Hill Cemetery. Many war veterans are buried at Cedar Hill, including at least 26 Confederate soldiers, two Spanish-American war veterans, 17 WWI veterans, 29 WWII veterans, and both Korean and Vietnam War veterans.

The cemetery has a variety of markers made of different materials and architectural designs. This includes markers made of metal, stone-like tree trunks, ornate obelisks, and a brick crypt. A notable family that is buried in Cedar Hill is the Cobble family. They are illustrative of common pioneer families who traveled through early Texas during westward expansion. Thomas H. Cobble moved to Texas in 1844 and built the first brick business building in Rusk. His grandson, Dr. Thomas H. Cobble, became a notable Rusk doctor and chief of staff of Rusk Memorial Hospital in 1949. The pioneer family burials in Cedar Hill Cemetery are significant reminders of the early settlement of Texas and the West

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
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.

In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.

In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.

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

  • 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
  • 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
  • 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
  • 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
  • 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
  • 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.