Floydada Cemetery
Graves: 4519 (1896-present)
To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.
A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
The county itself was officially established in 1876 and named after Dolphin Ward Floyd, a pioneer settler in the region. The town of Floydada was designated as the county seat. Agriculture played a significant role in the early development of Floyd County, with settlers primarily engaged in livestock raising and crop farming.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Floyd County experienced a boom in population and economic growth. The construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the area facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new businesses and industries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further fueled the county's growth, attracting oil companies and boosting the local economy.
Over the years, Floyd County has faced various challenges, including devastating droughts and the Great Depression. However, the community has exhibited resilience and perseverance, bouncing back from these hardships. Today, the county continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture, oil production, and wind energy serving as significant economic contributors.
Overall, Floyd County's history is a testament to the spirit of its residents and the determination to overcome obstacles while maintaining a strong sense of community identity.
Floyd County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Floyd County, Texas.
- 1876: Floyd County is established and named after Dolphin Ward Floyd, a pioneer and Texas Ranger.
- 1880: The first permanent settlement is established in Floyd County.
- 1890: The county's population reaches over 1,000 residents.
- 1890s: Ranching becomes the primary economic activity in the area.
- 1907: The county seat is moved from Kai to Floydada.
- 1929: The Great Depression hits Floyd County, leading to economic hardships for many residents.
- 1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps completes several projects in the county, providing much-needed employment opportunities.
- 1940s: Floyd County experiences a population boom due to the discovery of oil and gas reserves.
- 1950s: The construction of U.S. Route 70 through Floyd County improves transportation and access to the region.
- 1980s: The agriculture industry in Floyd County begins to decline, leading to a shift towards other economic sectors.
- 1990s: Education becomes a major focus in Floyd County with the establishment of several school districts.
- 2000s: Wind energy development becomes a significant industry in the county.