Historical Marker

Barker Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Athens, Texas
( 5 mi. E of Athens on US 175; 1.25 N on CR 4705)
Marker installed: 1997
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Hester (Stovall) and Armstead R. Barker struggled to buy the lands they worked for their former masters, W. C. Larkin and Nat Coleman. When Mrs. Barker died in 1893, her husband set aside 4 previous acres of land to be used as a cemetery by the settlers of the Gum Creek community and their descendants.

Although Hester was the first person to be interred on this land, several earlier graves were relocated from their original sites. John Ellick, originally buried on the Barker farm in 1866, is the oldest of these.

During the Depression, Lazarus Barker was forced to offer the four acres for sale. Concerned citizens of the Gum Creek and Lease Springs communities formed the Barker Cemetery Association in August of 1933, and by December Barker deeded the land to the association. Others donated land for a driveway to the road.

Cemetery maintenance proved difficult for the farming families of the area, but in 1958 the Barker Cemetery Improvement Club sparked new development. A chain link fence, an organized list of graves, and a brick entrance were all completed by 1985.

In 1997, over 300 graves had been counted in Barker Cemetery. Still in use, the site is a monument to the vision of Hester and Armstead Barker. (1997)

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.

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The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.