Upper Greens Creek Cemetery
Historical marker location:Early settlers to the Greens Creek area arrived from Georgia and Alabama in 1873. They bought farms, cleared the land, built homes, established a school, and organized two churches. Religious services for the Baptists and Methodists were held separately in members' homes until 1877, and later were held in a log schoolhouse. John W. Moore deeded two acres of land to the Baptist church in July 1880. Half of the land was used as a burial ground, as five graves had been placed there. It became known as the Greens Creek Baptist or the Upper Greens Creek Cemetery. The earliest documented grave is that of one-year old Luther Kiker in 1877. Six of the original thirteen charter members of the Greens Creek Baptist Church are also buried in this graveyard. Additional cemetery land was deeded to the Upper Greens Creek Cemetery by Nath G. Mulloy in 1909 and Fred and Stella Dupree in 1960. The cemetery contains the burials of many of the area's pioneer settlers and their descendants and veterans of wars ranging from the Mexican War to the Korean War. The cemetery is maintained by an association and continues to serve the community. (1996)
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.
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.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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."