Historic Cemetery

Craig Cemetery

Buna, Texas 77612
Location: Craig Cemetery at Evadale JCHS lists as Wright #77SW of Buna on Hwy 96 in Evadale. South on 96, turn right between the 2 churches in the middle of Evandale (one brick, one white). Road forks and the cemetery is on the left fork. No sign.A Reference to Texas Cemetery Records Kim Parsons (1988); rootsweb.com; Jasper County, Texas Cemeteries Mildred S. Wright (1976); www.historictexas.net/cemeteries/index.html 4-29-05 MB w/ Birdie Bryant, JCHM, map: suggests N of Evadale and FM 2246, N on old US 96 to area of CR 850.THC site visit MB 7-21-05: Evadale, Tx area. N of Evadale, W of US 96 off exit for SH 105. CR 850 to W for 0.35 mile, road ends at residence, cemetery to left or S. Partially fenced, damaged. On date of visit county labor was clearing site, removing all shrubs and vegetation. Danger of overclearing. Tagged the 4 remaining large Gardenia marker shrubs. Tall Oak marker trees. Half of area was devoid of all vegetation, remaining area was moderately overgrown with freegrowth shrubs and vines. Formal markers with some diversity. Commercial markers, a few local castings. Two fenced family plots, including Jasper family. Adjacent area wooded, pasture, residence. No sign, no fence at front. GPS PENDINGModerate risk of endangerment, over-clearing, damage to markers, but on map, on 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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Jasper County, Texas has a rich history dating back many centuries. The land where Jasper County now stands was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapan and Alabama-Coushatta peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, primarily from other parts of the southern United States.

Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.

The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.

Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jasper County, Texas.

  • 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
  • 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
  • 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
  • 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
  • 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.