Historical Marker

Sand Flat Cemetery

Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

SAND FLAT CEMETERY

IN 1856, JOSEPH M. STIRMAN OF KENTUCKY DONATED FIVE ACRES OF HIS PROPERTY FOR THE BUILDING OF A CHURCH AND SCHOOL REGARDLESS OF RACE, SEX, OR RELIGION, ESTABLISHING THE SAND FLAT COMMUNITY. OF THESE FIVE ACRES, TWO ACRES SIGNIFY THE RESTING PLACE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF THIS AREA. THE FIRST KNOWN BURIAL IN 1884 IS ATTRIBUTED TO CLARRISA ANDREWS ROYALL (1844-1884), THE WIFE OF ABRAHAM “ABE” ROYALL (1835-1911). BOTH ARE BURIED HERE, ALONG WITH THEIR DESCENDANTS. NOTABLE BURIALS ALSO INCLUDE HENRY GIVENS (1843-1923), A SUCCESSFUL FARMER AND SCHOOL TRUSTEE WHO CAME TO HENDERSON COUNTY AS A SLAVE IN 1855, JOSEPH “JOE” MANION, A FARMER AND INFLUENTIAL MEMBER OF THE SAND FLAT COMMUNITY, AND ABE ROYALL, A FARMER AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE AREA. ALL THREE GENTLEMEN ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO HENDERSON COUNTY AS SLAVES AND THEN GAINED THEIR FREEDOM. BY 1867, ALL THREE MEN WERE REGISTERED ON THE BLACK VOTERS LIST IN HENDERSON COUNTY.

THE LANDSCAPE OF THE SAND FLAT, ALSO KNOWN AS SANDFLAT, CEMETERY IS TRADITIONAL WITH CONCRETE, FIELDSTONE, SANDSTONE, AND GRANITE MONUMENTS SURROUNDED BY A CHAIN LINK FENCE AND SHADED BY A VARIETY OF TREES. BURIALS INCLUDE SETTLERS TO THE AREA AND THEIR DESCENDANTS, VETERANS FROM WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II, THE KOREAN WAR, AND THE VIETNAM WAR, AS WELL AS BURIALS MARKING FREE MASONS. MANY OF THE GRAVES MARK THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WHO WERE DEDICATED TO THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN AND OTHERS IN THE SAND FLAT COMMUNITY. THE DESCENDANTS OF THESE EARLY FAMILIES CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THIS AREA AND CARE FOR THE CEMETERY.

HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2010

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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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.