Mooreville Cemetery

Historical marker location:
CR 499E, Mooreville, Texas
( CR 499E, north of FM CR 499A)
Marker installed: 1992
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Irishman Robert Moore was the first person to settle permanently in this area. Arriving in the 1850s, he opened a general store on top of a hill south of Cow Bayou. By 1859 several other families lived here and the community became known as Mooreville.

Confederate veteran Edward McCullough (1834-1902) came to Morreville in 1865 and later purchased land that included this site. During his ownership this cemetery was established. The graveyard appears to have been used by the community at large from its beginning; the earliest marked graves, which date to 1866, bear surnames of Martin, Grayum, and Russell. The burial ground's existence was first recorded in deed records in 1876, when Edward McCollough deeded land for a burial ground.

Since World War II, the historic burial ground has been maintained by the Mooreville Cemetery Association, which was formally established in 1973. The association counts among its members many descendants of Mooreville's original permanent settlers.

The Mooreville Cemetery is an important cultural resource in this area. It remains a tangible reminder of this community's pioneer heritage. (1992)

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.

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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Falls County is located in the central part of Texas, named after the beautiful 17-foot-high waterfalls that span the Brazos River. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including Appaches and Caddo Indians, who lived off hunting and gathering. The Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, claiming the land for Spain and establishing missions in the region. However, the native tribes fiercely resisted colonization efforts, resulting in tensions and conflicts.

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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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