Hightower Cemetery
Historical marker location:John Bryan McPheres Hightower was born in December 1822 in Georgia. By 1846, he lived in Red River, Texas with his father and brother. Three years later, he wed Mary E. Morris in Cherokee County, and the couple moved to Erath County with three children by the time of the 1860 census. The family had earlier settled on a large ranch in this area.
In 1870, the Hightowers formally set aside almost two acres here for a cemetery. Before that time, they had buried three children at the site, and some of the unmarked graves may date to earlier than 1870. At the cemetery that year, the community buried the first person outside the Hightower family, Reuben Phillips. A search party had found his body near the ranch after he had been attacked by Indians.
John B. Hightower died in 1878, and Henry Killian bought the ranch. In 1895, he officially deeded the burial ground to a cemetery association, which has continued to maintain the historic site. Today, the site is the final resting place of military veterans, members of fraternal organizations and generations of area residents.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
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.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.
Erath County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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."