Historical Marker

Masonic Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Big Spring, Texas
( from Snyder take SH 350 1 mile north to Mt. Olive Cemetery)
Marker installed: 1990
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Staked Plains Lodge No. 598, A.F. & A.M., was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 12, 1884. The members soon recognized a need for a Masonic cemetery in Big Spring. In May 1885 George Bauer (1836-1898), a member of the Lodge, donated land at this site for that purpose. Adjacent land was given later for other community graveyards, which have become known collectively as Mount Olive Cemetery. The earliest documented grave in the Masonic Cemetery is that of William Howerton (1846-1886). At least one gravestone bears an earlier date, but it is for a grave which was reinterred here from another location. Among those buried here are many Masons and their families, including a number of community leaders; Texas and Pacific Railway Company employees; George Bauer, original donor of the property; and veterans of World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.

Over the years, additional land acquisitions have enlarged the size of the cemetery to sixteen acres. A variety of sizes and styles of grave markers can be seen in the historic graveyard. (1990)

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.

fraternal organizations gravesites
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Howard County, Texas was officially established on August 21, 1876, named after Volney Erskine Howard, a prominent early settler. The area had previously been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The arrival of Anglo settlers in the mid-19th century led to conflicts with these tribes, as well as the occasional raid by outlaws.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Howard County experienced a surge in population and development. Railroads played a crucial role in this growth, with several lines passing through the county, including the Texas and Pacific Railroad. These railroads not only brought people and goods to the area but also opened up opportunities for economic expansion, especially in agriculture and ranching.

The county's economy primarily relied on cotton during this period, with a significant number of cotton farms operating in Howard County. However, the agricultural sector faced several challenges, such as droughts and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in cotton production and a subsequent shift towards other types of farming.

In more recent years, Howard County has seen further diversification of its economy. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area led to an influx of energy companies, which provided jobs and contributed to the county's economic growth. Today, Howard County remains an important center for oil and gas production in Texas, while also cultivating a growing healthcare and tourism industry.

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

  • 1876 - Howard County is officially organized and named after Volney E. Howard, a Texas congressman.
  • 1877 - The first post office is established in the county.
  • 1890 - The population of Howard County reaches 862 residents.
  • 1907 - The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway is completed, passing through Howard County.
  • 1927 - Howard County experiences a major oil boom, leading to increased economic growth.
  • 1942 - Big Spring Army Air Force Bombardier School is established in Howard County during World War II.
  • 1953 - The construction of the Big Spring Airpark begins.
  • 1960 - The population of Howard County reaches its peak at around 35,000 residents.
  • 1980 - Howard County experiences another significant oil boom, contributing to economic prosperity.
  • 1998 - A tornado strikes Howard County, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 2010 - The population of Howard County stands at approximately 35,000 residents.