Historic Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery

Giddings, Texas 78942
Location: Evergreen Cemetery, LincolnAKA Old Evergreen Cem.--Recorded, NW area: LEE04, LEE05—Parsons.Evergreen Cemetery, Lincoln.—SEE Lee Co, Tx Cems, vol 1-2 (1991): Evegreen was a town before railroad came thru and Giddings established on Railway; Evergreen community slowly abandoned. … Cem: Hwy 77 N from Giddings for 6.2 miles, left on FM 1624 approx 1 mile, large tree and historical marker on right, cem. located on farm of Ernest Schiewert (1980s) on the left. Schiewert will show way to cem. Site not fenced, cows roaming it for years. More burials than there are markers. … Several burials from hangings at old tree in 1870s, bodies hauled by wagon to cem. 0.25 mile W. Also two murder victims from 1860s.”THC THC site visit 9/30/03 MB: Thru cattle guard, gate, pasture road about 0.25 mile, and 2nd gate. Large cem. partly fenced with iron bars and livestock fencing, although W side remains without fencing and cows continue to come into cem. area. Both fresh and old cow manure. Brick vaults, stone carnes, curbins and markers show signs of cattle damage. Many fieldstone markers. Two separately barb wire and field fenced family plots, which have not suffered cattle damage. These include intact markers, marker trees, shrubs, irises. Approx 1 acre. GPS 30.16.06.23933N -96.57.09.85971W. Quad 3096-232. Highly endangered from repeated cattle trampling graves and markers.

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
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Lee County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1874. Originally part of Bastrop County, it was named after Robert E. Lee, the controversial Confederate general. The area was primarily settled by German immigrants, who brought with them a strong agricultural tradition that shaped the county's economy.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became known for its cotton production, and many rural communities emerged to support the farming industry. The county seat, Giddings, became a thriving commercial center, with businesses and institutions establishing themselves to meet the needs of the growing population.

The 20th century brought both challenges and progress to Lee County. The devastating effects of the Great Depression hit the agricultural sector hard, leading to a decline in cotton farming. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy, venturing into cattle ranching and the production of other crops. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought a new wave of economic growth.

Lee County has also played a significant role in Texas history. It is home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Dawson Massacre and the Texas Revolution. Today, Lee County continues to be a rural and historically significant part of Texas, with a strong sense of community and a blend of diverse cultural influences.

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

  • 1874: Lee County is established on February 11, named after Robert E. Lee.
  • 1878: The town of Giddings is established as the county seat.
  • 1881: The Texas and New Orleans Railroad is completed, leading to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1907: Lee County Courthouse is built, replacing the original courthouse constructed in 1878.
  • 1920s: Cotton becomes a major crop for the county, leading to prosperous years for local farmers.
  • 1960s: The decline of cotton production begins, and farmers shift to other crops and livestock.
  • 1996: The Lee County Youth Center is opened to provide juvenile offenders with rehabilitative services.
  • 2011: The county is severely affected by drought and wildfires, causing significant damage to agricultural lands.
  • Present: Lee County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with a growing emphasis on diversifying the local economy.