Shiner Colored Cemetery
Historical marker location:In February 1898, Nathan Austin, J. H. Hannah, Paul Mitchell and William O’Neal, trustees of the Shiner Colored Cemetery Association, bought 1.2 acres from Adolph and Emilie Hohertz for $100. They established a burial ground for Shiner’s African American citizens on the east side of the city cemetery, to the right of and nearly in front of the main gate. The June 2, 1910 edition of the Shiner Gazette reported the death and burial of J. H. Hannah in the Shiner Colored Cemetery, and also reported that a recent scholastic census showed African American children comprising 20 percent (52 of 259) of Shiner students.
The cemetery was bordered by a wire fence, and by the 1940s all the plots had been used. The cemetery was often overgrown and in disrepair, and being at the lower end of a field, drainage was often a problem when it rained. In 1947, the Shiner Cemetery Society agreed to move burials and gravestones to a new site about two miles south known as Blue Bonnet Hill Memory Garden. Historic grave materials, including gravestones of concrete, granite, marble and metal, were moved along with remains. The oldest marked grave at Blue Bonnet Hill is for Thomas Mitchell, who died in November 1899. The Shiner Colored Cemetery now has the appearance of an open field which blooms with wildflowers each spring. However, not all burials were moved, and several unmarked graves were left undisturbed. The cemetery remains sacred ground and a precious record of generations past
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In 1846, Lavaca County was officially established by the Texas state legislature and was named after the Lavaca River, which runs through the area. The county quickly developed as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary cash crop. Many plantations were established, and slavery played a significant role in the local economy, impacting the social and cultural dynamics of the region.
During the Civil War, Lavaca County supported the Confederacy, with many of its residents volunteering for military service. The county experienced the effects of the war firsthand, including economic hardships and infrastructure damage. In the post-war years, the cotton industry faced several challenges, including the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in agricultural dominance.
In the 20th century, Lavaca County transitioned into a more diversified economy, with the growth of oil and gas exploration. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought prosperity to the region, attracting new residents and businesses. Today, Lavaca County continues to be primarily rural with a strong agricultural heritage, while also benefiting from the contributions of the energy industry. The county's deep-rooted history and ongoing development make it a unique and historically significant part of Texas.
Lavaca County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lavaca County, Texas.
- 1846 - Lavaca County is established by the Texas legislature, carved out of parts of neighboring counties.
- 1849 - The first county seat is established in Hallettsville.
- 1852 - The oldest known courthouse in Lavaca County is built in Hallettsville.
- 1856 - The county's first newspaper, the Lavaca Democrat, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Lavaca County residents support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- 1867 - St. Peter's Lutheran Church, the oldest continuously active Lutheran congregation in Texas, is established in Hallettsville.
- 1873 - The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway extends its tracks into Lavaca County.
- 1881 - A new courthouse is constructed in Hallettsville to replace the original courthouse.
- 1922 - The area around Lavaca County experiences a significant oil boom, leading to increased economic activity.
- 1936 - The current Lavaca County Courthouse, a Classical Revival-style building, is completed in Hallettsville.
- 1942-1945 - Many Lavaca County residents serve in World War II.
- 1997 - The Lavaca County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2010 - Lavaca County celebrates its 150th anniversary since its establishment.
- 2018 - Lavaca County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural industry.