Historic Cemetery

Wilson Cemetery

a.k.a. Astronaut Dr.

Longview/Lakeport, Texas
Location: SE of Mitchell Lake off Astronaut Dr. Located south of Longview, in the community of Lakeport, Gregg County, TX. Drive south on Hwy 149, and one block past the intersection with Hwy 322, turn right onto Jet Street, then right again onto Rocket Street. Proceed to the end of Rocket Street where it will intersect with Astronaut Street. Entrance is through a green metal gate, and there is no sign - this access is across private land. Pass through the gate and proceed along the dirt road approximately 100 yards, and the road will turn to the right. The cemetery will be straight ahead. The cemetery is enclosed by a fence, and the area is approximately 200 feet deep by 400 feet wide.

Graves: 150+ (pre-Civil war - 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.

gravesites
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Texas random facts
Gregg County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a vibrant history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee nations. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that European settlement began in the area.

In 1839, Gregg County was established as part of the Republic of Texas, named after Texas Confederate States Army General John Gregg. The county grew slowly over the next few decades, with agriculture and cattle ranching being the primary industries. The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Gregg County. The prolific East Texas Oilfield attracted oil companies and workers from across the country, leading to a population boom.

During World War II, Gregg County played a crucial role in the war effort. The county's industrial base expanded rapidly as several defense plants were established in the area. The influx of workers and industries contributed to the county's postwar growth and prosperity.

Since then, Gregg County has continued to develop and diversify its economy. It is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The county is home to the city of Longview, which serves as the county seat and is a major cultural and economic hub in East Texas. Today, Gregg County boasts a rich history, a thriving community, and a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gregg County, Texas.

  • 1841 – The Texas Congress establishes Gregg County as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 – Gregg County becomes a part of the United States as part of the state of Texas.
  • 1849 – The city of Longview is established as the county seat of Gregg County.
  • 1861-1865 – Gregg County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1872 – The Longview and Pacific Railroad is completed, connecting Gregg County to the national railway system.
  • 1873 – The first public school in Gregg County opens in Longview.
  • 1930s – The discovery of the East Texas Oil Field leads to an economic boom in Gregg County.
  • 1936 – The East Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce) opens a branch in Longview.
  • 1980 – The Longview Mall, the first enclosed shopping mall in East Texas, opens in Longview.
  • 2006 – The East Texas Oil Museum, showcasing the history of the oil industry in the region, opens in Kilgore.