Historic Cemetery

Wesley Chapel Cemetery

Texas
Location: Wesley Chapel and Cemetery (THC) 6.75 miles NW of Crockett, off FM 229(1977) Located 7 miles W of Crockett on FM 229, turn right and go 300 or 400 yards from the road(1987) Located 7 miles NW of Crockett on FM 229, turn right at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery sign and go 300-400 yards from FM 229. The old wooden church still stands.(USGenWeb) 7 mi NW of Crockett on FM 229. R at cemetery sign near CR. 2130. THC marker; A Reference to Texas Cemetery Records, Kim Parsons, 1988; Houston County Cemeteries, Houston county Historical Commission, 1977; Houston County Cemeteries, Third Edition, Houston County Historical Commission, 1987; USGS; Supplement to Houston County Texas Cemeteries Third Edition, 1998; USGenWeb Archives; topo map.TSHA Handbook of Texas Online: Context--WESLEY CHAPEL, TEXAS. Wesley Chapel was just off Farm Road 229 six miles northwest of Crockett in west central Houston County. It was settled after the Civil War.qv A school began operating before 1897, when it had an enrollment of fifty-four. In the mid-1930s the small community had a church, the school, a cemetery, and a number of houses. After World War IIqv the school was consolidated with Crockett school, and by the early 1990s only a church, a cemetery, and a few widely scattered houses remained in the area. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Houston County Cemeteries (Crockett, Texas: Houston County Historical Commission, 1977; 3d ed. 1987). Christopher Long THC site visit MB 12-12-04: Latexo, Tx area. FM 299 about 1.4 miles W of CR 2115, to CR 2130 for 0.2 mile. Chapel Cem about 50 ft. on N side of road, Annex Cem about 100 ft. on S side. Chapel fenced in with cemetery, THC marker. Formal and informal markers, large and small, considerable diversity over time, including obelisks, benches, curbing, homemade marker, metal markers, sea shells, petrified wood, marble slabs, fieldstones, some creative materials. Embellishment of stones, photo enamels, marbles. Abundant floral and and personal grave materials. Marker trees and shrubs, Aborvitae, Crape Myrtle, Pomegranate, Irises. Approx 1.22 acres. GPS 31.22.19.58246N –95.32.21.64579WUSGS 3195-241Low risk of endangerment, THC marker, maintained, fenced, still in use, associated church, on map.

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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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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.