Historic Cemetery

Eller Flat Cemetery

Texas
Location: 2 miles south of Canadian, 20 miles E, 1/2 N.

Graves: 250 (1895-2008)

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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Hemphill County is located in the Panhandle region of Texas and has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. These tribes thrived in the region for thousands of years, relying on the vast grasslands and abundant wildlife for sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for ranching. Hemphill County was officially established in 1876, named after John Hemphill, a former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. The county played a significant role in Texas' cattle industry, with large ranches dominating the landscape. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further contributed to the county's growth and economic development.

The county experienced some hardships over the years, including droughts, economic downturns, and challenges associated with World War II. However, it managed to persevere and adapt to the changing times. In recent years, Hemphill County has diversified its economy beyond ranching and agriculture, embracing other industries such as oil and gas exploration and wind energy production.

Today, Hemphill County continues to honor its Western heritage and is home to the Canadian River Valley Pioneer Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. With its scenic landscapes, vibrant communities, and historical significance, Hemphill County remains an important part of Texas' story.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hemphill County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Hemphill County is created by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1887 - Canadian becomes the county seat of Hemphill County.
  • 1890 - The first newspaper, the Hemphill County News, is published in Canadian.
  • 1901 - The Panhandle-Plains Land Bank is established in Canadian.
  • 1909 - The first courthouse in Canadian is completed.
  • 1928 - The first oil well is drilled in Hemphill County.
  • 1941-1945 - Hemphill County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1960s - The oil industry experiences a boom in Hemphill County.
  • 1995 - The Canadian River Municipal Water Authority is formed.
  • 2010 - Hemphill County celebrates its 100th anniversary.