Historical Marker

Salt Creek Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Jacksboro, Texas
( rom downtown Jacksboro,Texas take Highway 380 West out of Jacksboro go 7.2 miles turn left on Dark Corner Road. Stay on Dark Corner Road go 3.5 miles turn right on Salt Creek Road, go 1 mile. Cemetery is on right side of County Road.)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 18" x 28"

James N. Jonas (1849-1932) and his wife, Caroline (Atteberry) (1850-1932), settled in the Salt Creek community around 1876. Two years later, a family traveling by wagon camped near the Jonas family land. When the family’s child died, the Jonases offered a burial place on their land. They later conveyed acreage for a community cemetery, also known as Dark Corner Cemetery. The historic Salt Creek schoolhouse stands east of the cemetery and is used by the Salt Creek-Dark Corner Cemetery Association, which holds an annual workday. Among the nearly 200 burials are veterans from the U. S. – Mexico War to the Korean conflict. The rural cemetery still serves as a burial ground for family members of some of the earliest settlers of Salt Creek

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 will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do, for Texans consumed with greatness
Sam Houston in Letter to the thirteen Texas municipalities
Jack County, Texas is located in North Central Texas and has a rich and colorful history. It was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century. The county was named after Patrick Jack, who served as a soldier in the Texas Revolution.

The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant game. In 1856, the county was officially organized and the town of Jacksboro was established as the county seat. During this time, conflicts with Native American tribes were common, and several forts were constructed to protect the settlers, including Fort Richardson near Jacksboro.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many residents joining Confederate forces. In 1862, a bloody battle known as the Battle of Dove Creek took place in Jack County, where Confederates clashed with a combination of Union troops and Native American allies.

After the war, Jack County experienced growth and development. Ranching became a primary economic activity, as the region was well-suited for cattle ranching. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oil was discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the local economy.

Today, Jack County still maintains its agricultural heritage, with ranching and oil production remaining important industries. The county is also known for its rich historical sites, including Fort Richardson State Park, which preserves the history of the region's military past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jack County, Texas.

  • 1857 - Jack County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1858 - Fort Richardson is established near present-day Jacksboro.
  • 1864 - Battle of Dove Creek takes place between Confederate and Union forces in the county.
  • 1871 - Texas & Pacific Railroad reaches Jacksboro, boosting the local economy.
  • 1872 - Jacksboro is designated as the county seat.
  • 1883 - Chisholm Trail, used for cattle drives, passes through the county.
  • 1907 - Oil is discovered in Jack County, leading to a boom in the local economy.
  • 1919 - Jacksboro tornado causes significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1936 - Construction of Possum Kingdom Lake is completed.
  • 1950s - 1960s - The decline of the oil industry affects the county's economy.
  • 1990s - Present - Jack County focuses on diversifying its economy through tourism and agriculture.