Live Oak Cemetery
Historical marker location:The pioneer Falls County community of Live Oak began shortly after the Civil War. Originally known as Camden and later as Rupee, the settlement was the site of stores, a cotton gin, post office, doctors and a Masonic lodge. The Live Oak Baptist Church was established in the early 1870s. A log cabin served as the sanctuary and was also used as a schoolhouse. Land for the church, school and this community cemetery was donated by brothers George and E. R. Hodges, sons of pioneer area settler Homer Hodges.
The earliest marked graves in the burial ground date from 1877 and are inscribed with the names Ida May and Mary T. Other graves here include those of E. R. Hodges (1840-1905) and members of his family; Pinkney Pulaski Hodges (1813-1895) and his descendants; prominent community leaders J. J. Hodges (d. 1918) and his son Bradley (d. 1961); and members of the pioneer Vinson and Jordan families.
Live Oak began to decline in the 1890s when the area was bypassed by rail lines. The Baptist Church closed and the school was consolidated with the Lott district. Only the pioneer Live Oak Cemetery remains to mark the site of the early agricultural settlement
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.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Falls County, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1850, and the town of Marlin was designated as the county seat. The development of railroads during this period further spurred the growth of the region, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.
During the Civil War, Falls County, like many other parts of Texas, heavily supported the Confederacy. The economy revolved around agriculture, especially cotton plantations, which relied on enslaved labor. However, the war brought multiple challenges to the county, including shortages of supplies and soldiers, as well as occasional conflicts with Union forces.
In the post-war era, Falls County faced a period of rebuilding and diversification. The reliance on cotton continued, but other industries such as livestock ranching and oil extraction began to play a significant role in the county's economy. Over the years, Falls County has gone through various changes and challenges, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history tied to the land and its people.
Falls County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Falls County, Texas.
- 1837 - Falls County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1838 - The county seat is established in Perryville
- 1850 - Marlin becomes the new county seat
- 1861-1865 - Falls County residents serve in the Civil War
- 1873 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Marlin
- 1886 - The town of Lott is incorporated
- 1896 - The Marlin Female Institute is established
- 1910 - A serious cotton boll weevil infestation hits the county
- 1921 - The infamous Klan trials take place in Marlin
- 1953 - Falls County dedicates a new courthouse
- 1975 - Marlin State Hospital is designated a National Historic Landmark
- 1996 - The Marlin Democrat newspaper celebrates its 125th anniversary
- 2018 - Falls County celebrates its 180th anniversary