Historic Cemetery

Salem Lutheran Cemetery

Navasota, Texas 77868
Location: Salem Lutheran Church Cem, Whitehall, Tx..—1910, Recorded GRIM11—Parson. H&P, Grimes Co Hist.: Local hist. map. SEE ALSO Old Salem Lutheran Cem.-Yarboro. p. 724-5, “Purchased in 1910, adjoins church on FM 2988, near Whitehall. [below] [Some Lutheran Burials in McAlpine Cem. before Lutherans had own cem. Index.” p. 119, “1907 est. present church site. Current [1980s] cem. adjacent to new church on 6.9 acres purchased from Holderby & Mims families in 1910. Two subsequent church sites, 1924 and 1949. Because of anti-German feeling of WWII, school closed.” TxGenWeb: “Whitehall area. In 1910, Salem Lutheran Church purchased the land that this cemetery is located on. The cemetery is near the church on FM2988 near Whitehall in southeast Grimes County. Two sections, New and Old Part. New Addition to Old Salem Lutheran Ch. Cem. est. 1986. Total burials approx. 150. Earliest about 1910. Index.”SEE Cemeteries of Grimes County, vols 1-5 John Maxwell, GCHC.THC site visit MB 4/19/04, near Whitehall, Tx at 2373 FM 2988, about 0.4 mile W of FM 362. Adjacent to church, rectory, church hall, school and playground. Cemetery has iron br fencing separating it from the traditional Lutheran arrangment near playground. Formal markers with diversity over time, some obelisks. German language on older stones. A few large Cedar marker trees, also Lillies, Irises, Roses, grave gardens, child area, seashell embellished crubing. Abundant floral grave materials, a few with decorative items. Hilltop location with vista to SW. Low endangerment: maintained, fenced, near church, recent burials. Approx 1.2 acres.GPS 30.18.09.38527N -95.58.39.73806WLow endangerment: maintained, fenced, near residences, church, recent burials. USGS 3095-232.

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.

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Texas random facts
Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Stephen F. Austin Colony in the early 1820s. It was named in honor of Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county was officially formed in 1846 when it was separated from Montgomery County.

In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.

The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.

Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.

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

  • 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
  • 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
  • 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
  • 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
  • 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
  • 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
  • Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.