Historical Marker

Cementerio del Rio

Historical marker location:
2801 FM 621, San Marcos, Texas
( San Marcos, 2801 FM 621)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

LOCATED ON THE SAN MARCOS RIVER, ONE HALF MILE DOWNRIVER FROM THE OLD CAMINO REAL CROSSING, CEMENTERIO DEL RIO IS SITUATED CLOSE TO THE ORIGINAL SPANISH SETTLEMENT OF SAN MARCOS DE NEVE (1804-1812). IT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH A JANUARY 7, 1893 DEED FROM H. T. KING AND E. D. STIGER TO HAYS COUNTY FOR A ONE-ACRE PLOT OF LAND FOR THE PURPOSES OF A CHURCH, SCHOOL, AND MEXICAN-AMERICAN BURIALS.

THE EARLIEST SURVIVING INSCRIPTION NOTES A 1906 DEATH (CALIXTO DUMAS, 1865 – AUGUST 31, 1906), WHILE THE LATEST DOCUMENTED INSCRIPTION IS FROM 1941 (MARIA JESUS RODRIGUEZ, NOVEMBER 25, 1859 – SEPTEMBER 6, 1941). VERY FEW INSCRIPTIONS EXIST AFTER 1920, BUT A MAJORITY OF THE SURVIVING STONES, WHICH ARE MAINLY FROM 1910-1920, REFLECT THE INFLUX OF MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS AROUND THE TIME OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION, THEREBY EXHIBITING THE GROWTH OF A UNIQUE CULTURE IN SAN MARCOS. THE CEMETERY’S MOST PROMINENT TOMBSTONES BELONG TO FOUR WOODMEN OF THE WORLD, BEING EMILIO GARCIA (1883-1913), EVARISTO R. MORIN (1885-1913), JOSE HERNANDEZ (1877-1919), AND OCTAVIANO FELAN (1884-1915).

THE 1909 ESTABLISHMENT OF SAN PEDRO CEMETERY A FEW MILES AWAY SEEMS TO HAVE EVENTUALLY ECLIPSED CEMENTERIO DEL RIO WHILE DROUGHT HAS KILLED AND STRESSED MANY OF THE CEMETERY’S TREES. ALTHOUGH THE SITE WAS ABANDONED AND VIRTUALLY FORGOTTEN UNTIL THE EARLY 1990s, CEMENTERIO DEL RIO SERVES AS EVIDENCE OF AN IMPORTANT TIME IN HAYS COUNTY’S HISTORY AS WELL AS AN INDICATION OF THE PRESENCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY IN SAN MARCOS

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.

gravesites
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Hays County, located in the central part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. However, the first recorded European arrival in the region occurred in 1690 when Spanish explorers made their way through the area.

In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.

During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.

In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.

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

  • 1837: Hays County is officially established as a county when the Republic of Texas is formed.
  • 1848: The county seat is established in the town of San Marcos.
  • 1856: A charter is granted to create the Hays County Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Association.
  • 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many men from Hays County volunteer for service in the Confederate Army.
  • 1881: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, connecting San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
  • 1903: Southwest Texas State Normal School (now known as Texas State University) is established in San Marcos.
  • 1938: The Blanco River floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Hays County.
  • 1996: The Hays County Courthouse, built in 1909, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2015: The county experiences widespread flooding from heavy rains, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.