Garden City Cemetery
GARDEN CITY CEMETERY
THE GARDEN CITY COMMUNITY BEGAN USING THIS BURIAL GROUND AS EARLY AS 1886. THAT YEAR, A CHILD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN HILL AND HIS WIFE, LUCY, WAS BURIED HERE. FOUR YEARS LATER, A SIBLING WAS BURIED AT THE SAME SPOT; THE TWO GRAVES SHARE A SINGLE STONE.
THE HILL FAMILY PLOT, WHERE SULLIVAN AND LUCY ARE ALSO BURIED, IS ONE OF MANY IN THE CEMETERY REPRESENTING THE EARLY AREA SETTLERS. OTHER EARLY FAMILY NAMES FOUND THROUGHOUT THE BURIAL GROUND ARE HANSON, GOOCH AND COX. FAMILY PLOTS ARE TYPICALLY BORDERED BY CONCRETE CURBING. MOST GRAVESTONES ARE VERTICAL, ESPECIALLY IN THE OLDER SECTION OF THE CEMETERY, WHICH IS INDICATED BY THE REMAINING DECORATIVE IRON FENCING. SOME OF THE INDIVIDUAL FAMILY PLOTS ALSO INCLUDE ORIGINAL FENCING.
IN 1914, JOHN ETHERIDGE AND PERNEICE GORE LAWLER FORMALLY DESIGNATED THE ORIGINAL ONE-ACRE TRACT AS A CEMETERY. TODAY, THE COUNTY MAINTAINS THE BURIAL GROUND, TO WHICH THREE ACRES WERE LATER ADDED. AS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS, THE CEMETERY IS A SIGNIFI-CANT LINK TO THE COMMUNITY’S HISTORY.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY - 2003
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.
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.