Lott Cemetery
Mount Vernon Cemetery trustees acquired the two-acre Lott Cemetery plot in 1896 from Victoria Lott, widow of farmer and businessman Battice Lott. The earliest known burial here is of charity Johnson, who died in 1892. At an unknown date, the cemetery’s name was changed to the Lott Cemetery, probably in honor of a local African American family, some of whose members are buried here. Other burials are of men and women who worked in the local cattle industry, including Traildriver George McDow.
Oriented to the east in accordance with Christian tradition, the grave markers, from simple wooden crosses and handmade cement slabs to sculpted granite obelisks, reflect the economic fluctuations in the local farming and ranching community. Other traditional elements are the cement borders and low ornamental fences that outline some family plots and stands of naturalized crinum “cemetery” lilies, a staple of southern cemeteries.
After a tornado in 1902 destroyed Goliad’s Fannin Street Methodist Episcopal Church and the surrounding neighborhood, several dozen victims, including Salina Bennett Tate, were interred in a communal grave along the Lott Cemetery’s eastern boundary. Many other members of that church are buried here as are at least thirty veterans from all branches of the U.S. military services. A headstone inscribed simply “bingo” marks the grave of an orphaned African American man who was raised by prominent cattleman Ed Lott’s wife; he died around 1916. One of the two centenarians buried in the cemetery (Gertrude Todd is the other), Hattie Rhooney’s life spanned three centuries (1895-2002).
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2012
MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
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 late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
In 1829, the Mexican government established Goliad County as a municipality as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The town of Goliad was established as the county seat, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas, eventually leading to the Texas Revolution.
One of the most well-known events in Goliad County's history occurred during the Texas Revolution in 1836. After the fall of the Alamo, Colonel James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and held in the presidio at Goliad. In a tragic turn of events, Fannin and his men were executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre, a significant event that further fueled the desire for Texas independence.
After gaining independence, Goliad County continued to grow and develop. The area became an important hub for ranching and agriculture, particularly in the production of cattle, cotton, and peanuts. Today, Goliad County is known for its rich historical heritage and its thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its impressive historic sites and events that commemorate the region's past.
Goliad County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Goliad County, Texas.
- 1821 - Mexican Revolutionary General Martín Perfecto de Cos granted land to empresario Martín De León in what is now Goliad County
- 1829 - The Mexican government granted the De León Colony rights to settle in the area
- 1836 - Goliad County was officially established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas
- 1836 - The Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas Revolution, where prisoners of war from the Battle of Coleto were executed by the Mexican army
- 1846 - The county was formally organized and named Goliad County after the presidio and the Spanish fort located in the area
- 1850s - The county experienced economic growth with cattle ranching and agriculture becoming prominent industries
- 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built a line through the county, leading to further development
- 20th century - Goliad County continued to thrive with the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area
- 2000 - Goliad County celebrated its 175th anniversary