Historical Marker

Alexander Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Alexander, Texas
( SW of int of SH 6 and CR 914)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This burial ground has served residents of southern Erath County since the late 1800s. At that time, the community of Alexander, platted by the Texas Central Railroad Company, was thriving. The community had received a post office in 1876, when it was named Harper's Mill (it was renamed Alexander in 1881), although settlers had lived in the area since before the Civil War. By the 1890s, Alexander had a number of businesses.

In the early 1880s, Confederate veteran Thomas Pinckney Tidwell, his wife Zera Ann (Passmore) Tidwell and other family members migrated from North Carolina to Texas. The Tidwells eventually settled in Alexander. Tidwell established this burial ground when a child of a Mexican family died and was not allowed burial in a local cemetery. Tidwell established a public burial ground open to area citizens regardless of religion or ethnic affiliation, and the Tidwell family donated an ornate cross to mark the child's burial site. However, the oldest dated grave is that of Sarah Ethetton (d. 1879), who was later reinterred in the cemetery shortly after its establishment.

Among the notable burials in Alexander Cemetery are those of community leaders and of veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War. The Alexander Cemetery Association cares for the burial ground. Today, the cemetery serves as a reminder of area pioneers and the former community of Alexander. As a place of free burial, Alexander Cemetery also continues as a monument to charity and human compassion, represented by Thomas Pinckney Tidwell's offer to a family in need.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2006

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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Erath County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas, who roamed the region for centuries. However, the Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the area, with the famed Pedro Vial passing through in 1785.

In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.

Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.

Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Erath County, Texas.

  • 1854: Erath County is officially organized and named after George Bernard Erath, a Texas Ranger and surveyor.
  • 1855: The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Tennessee and Missouri.
  • 1860: The first post office is established in Stephenville, the county seat.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Erath County begins to recover from the conflict.
  • 1870: The Texas Central Railroad is completed, bringing increased trade and development to the county.
  • 1893: Tarleton State University is founded in Stephenville.
  • 1926: Construction of US Highway 67 begins, providing improved transportation access for Erath County.
  • 1940s: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an economic boom.
  • 1990s: Erath County becomes a popular filming location for movies and television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger."