Historical Marker

Cottonwood Cemetery

Historical marker location:
7313 FM 2114, Hubbard, Texas
Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

For serving in the Texas Revolution of 1835-36, South Carolina native Parrott W. McNeese received land in this area in 1846. McNeese and his wife, Mary (Allcorn), had three surviving children, including George Washington McNeese (b. 1840), who made his first trip to Hill County in 1861. After serving as a Confederate Army 1st Lt. during the Civil War, George farmed his inherited 500 acres and later increased his land holdings, growing primarily cotton and corn and raising mules and horses. George married Sallie Poteet in 1869, and six of their nine children reached adulthood. After their infant son died in 1873, George and Sallie McNeese deeded 7.7 acres for a public school and graveyard, initially known as McNeese Cemetery. In 1882, George and other settlers brought German families from Brenham to the Cottonwood community, which included a mercantile store, cotton gin, and school. George and Sallie both died in 1909 and were buried in a family plot near their infant son. Veterans from the Texas Revolution to the Korean War are interred here. William J. Gray, who served in Erastus (Deaf) Smith's Ranger Company in 1837, never married but fostered 14 orphans (including five nieces and nephews). Two other notable burials include husband and wife World War II veterans, Altus Manuel Horn, prisoner of war and Bronze Star recipient, and Ruth B. Cotton Horn, Woman's Army Corps. There are more than 300 known graves, with many unmarked. Gravestone materials include concrete, fieldstone, granite, marble, sandstone, steel, ceramic photographs, and family plot fencing. In 1979, after years of neglected maintenance, a group which formally organized in 1991 as the Cottonwood Cemetery Association dedicated themselves to preserving this historic burial ground, the only remaining indication of the once-thriving Cottonwood community. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2009

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
Texas is a great place to be rich and a terrible place to be poor.
Richard Parker in The Nation
Hill County, located in Central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. The area was primarily occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes for Hill County.

In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.

During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.

Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.

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

  • 1853: Hill County established as one of the 36 original counties of Texas.
  • 1854: Hillsboro becomes the county seat.
  • 1860s: Hill County experiences rapid growth due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1873: The Hill County Courthouse, a two-story wooden structure, is completed.
  • 1882: The Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
  • 1886: Construction of a new courthouse begins.
  • 1890: The current Hill County Courthouse, a magnificent Romanesque Revival architectural style building, is completed.
  • 1900s: Hill County faces numerous challenges, including droughts, the Great Depression, and the decline of the cotton industry.
  • 1940s: Hill County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to World War II and the establishment of military bases in the region.
  • 1950s-1960s: Construction of Lake Whitney provides recreational opportunities and helps boost the local economy.
  • 2000s: Hill County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.