Unknown (Saint Lawrence) Cemetery
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.
During its early years, Glasscock County was primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming being the main economic activities. Cattle ranching was especially prominent, and many small family-owned ranches were established in the county. However, the area faced major challenges due to its arid climate and lack of water resources, with droughts often hitting the region.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought significant changes to Glasscock County. The county experienced a boom in oil production, which led to an influx of people and an economic boost. The discovery of oil also brought infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and pipelines. However, in the 1940s, the oil production declined, and agriculture once again became the primary industry in the county.
Today, Glasscock County is still primarily an agricultural area, with ranching and farming continuing to be the main sources of income for its residents. The county has also seen some growth in the renewable energy sector, with the development of wind farms. Glasscock County remains a small rural community, known for its friendly residents and tight-knit community spirit.
Glasscock County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Glasscock County, Texas.
- 1880: Glasscock County is established and named after George Washington Glasscock, a Texas Revolution soldier.
- 1887: The first post office is established in the county.
- 1908: The town of Garden City is founded.
- 1909: The first school in Glasscock County is built.
- 1926: The discovery of oil in the county leads to a boom in population and economic growth.
- 1932: Glasscock County's first elected officials are appointed.
- 1951: The Glasscock County Courthouse is built.
- 1970: The population of Glasscock County reaches its peak at around 2,000 residents.
- 1992: The Glasscock County Museum is established to preserve the history of the area.