Historical Marker

Alleyton Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Alleyton Road and FM 102, Alleyton, Texas
( Old Alleyton Rd. at intersection with FM 102 (Cemetery Ave.))
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Alleyton was settled by brothers Rawson, Abraham, John and Thomas Alley ca. 1822; William Alley joined his brothers in 1824. William donated a portion of his property in 1859 for right of way for the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway, and the company also built a roundhouse and depot on the property. A town developed around the site and Alleyton became the largest town in Colorado County.

The original map of the town, filed in the county records in 1860, show blocks 57 and 68 marked as the "graveyard." In 1875, the blocks were sold to H.C. Gaedke, after the death of William Alley and the foreclosure and reogranization of the railroad. After Gaedke's death in 1880, portions of blocks 57 and 68 (totalling approximately two acres) were deeded to three trustees for the official establishment of a cemetery at the site. That same year, 2.4 acres were sold to the trustees of the Alleyton Colored Cemetery to officially form a burial ground adjacent to the white cemetery for the burial of the African American citizens of Alleyton.

The oldest marked burial at the site is that of T.S.M. Robinson, whose marker inscription reads "born in Arkansas, died in Texas, 1852, age 22 years." A yellow fever epidemic swept through Alleyton in 1867, and several burials were made at the cemetery at that time, including four members of the Captain Henry Clay Everett family. Additional burials at the site include veterans of the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. Today, Alleyton Cemetery remains an active burial ground while simultaneously reminding visitors of the pioneer settlers of this community.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2009

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.
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Texas random facts
Colorado County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to its establishment in 1836 as part of the Republic of Texas. The county was named after the Colorado River, which flows through it. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecan tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, and by the 1830s, the region had become a hub for Anglo-American colonization.

During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.

Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.

In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Colorado County, Texas.

  • 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
  • 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
  • 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
  • 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
  • 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
  • 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
  • 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
  • 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
  • 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
  • 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.