Historic Cemetery

Douglass Cemetery

Lovelady, Texas 75851
Location: Douglass Family Cemetery Aka Douglas Cem.(1977) from Lovelady take Weldon Rd (FM 230), about 8 miles take right on 2915. Approx. 5 miles on right, on top of a red clay hill is the enclosure marked Douglass Cemetery. Or at Mapleton on Hwy 21 turn SW, about 5 miles.(1987) from Lovelady, take Weldon Rd FM 230, go W approx. 7.4 mi at a 76 Union Oil sign, turn R on FM 2915, go approx. 6 mi to the top of a red clay hill where the enclosure is marked by the cemetery sign on the R. From Mapleton take Hwy 21, turn SW and go approx 5 mi to cemetery sign on left. Many unidentified graves are ouside the enclosure in the woods and underbrush.(1998) Located on CR 3475 at the end of FM 2915, W of Lovelady(USGenWeb) R off FM 2915 about 5 mi W of Hwy 230 N of Weldon(cemeteries-of-tx.com) photos.A Reference to Texas Cemetery Records, Kim Parsons, 1988; Houston County Cemeteries, Houston county Historical Commission, 1977; USGS; Houston County Cemeteries, Third Edition, Houston County Historical Commission, 1987; Supplement to Houston County Texas Cemeteries Third Edition, 1998; USGenWeb Archives; cemeteries-of-tx.com; topo mapTHC site visit MB 11/06/04: Lovelady, Tx area. At intersection of FM 2915 and CR 3475. Large formal fenced site at angle to roadway Arched entryway with name. Pavillion. Hilltop. Entrance back from road about 70 ft. Older and newer areas. Older area has Crape Myrtle and Cedar marker trees. Diversity of formal markers over time, obelisks, unique constructions, some mounding. In NW area a section with different marker styles and Mexican or Spanish surnames, including one large homemade marker. Newer areas to E have less diversity. Adjacent to road and woodlands. US veterans, Masons, WoW, CSA. Approx 3.9 acres.GPS 31.05.31.46240N –95.37.38.22897WQuad 3195-212Low risk, fenced, maintained, still in use,on map, visible from road.

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.

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Houston County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area that is now Houston County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa, who lived off the lands and waterways. However, the first European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 19th century, sparking a new chapter in the region's history.

In 1838, Houston County was officially established and named after Sam Houston, a prominent figure in the Texas Revolution and later the Republic of Texas. The county became a focal point during this time, with numerous conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, as well as various clashes involving Mexican troops.

During the mid-19th century, Houston County experienced rapid growth and development, as many settlers were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Immigrants from various European countries, such as Germany and Austria, arrived in large numbers, contributing to the cultural diversity of the county. Additionally, the construction of railroads in the late 1800s played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and connecting Houston County to neighboring regions.

In the 20th century, Houston County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the discovery of oil in neighboring counties brought new economic opportunities to the region and provided a much-needed boost to Houston County's economy. Today, Houston County continues to thrive as a vibrant rural community, with a rich history that is celebrated through numerous historic sites, museums, and events that showcase its past.

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

  • 1837 - Houston County is created and organized from Nacogdoches County.
  • 1839 - The county seat, Crockett, is established and named after David Crockett.
  • 1854 - The Houston and Great Northern Railroad is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1861-1865 - Houston County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1881 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom.
  • 1893 - The Houston County courthouse is destroyed by fire.
  • 1936 - The Texas State Park Board establishes Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
  • 1968 - Hurricane Beulah causes significant damage to the county.
  • 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes widespread destruction and power outages in the area.
  • 2020 - Houston County celebrates its 183rd anniversary.