Historic Cemetery

Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery

Texas
Location: Prospect Cemetery, LexingtonNote error in some listings locating in Tanglewood--Tombstone. .—SEE Lee Co, Tx Cems, vol 1-2 (1991) US 77 N for 7.8 miles to FR 696, turn E, right, for 4.6 miles. Cem. on right, S side of road..Recorded, NE area, LEE02, LEE04, LEE05--ParsonsNOTE! USGS shows site on wrong side of road, wrong coordinates!!’THC site visit MB 9/04/03: Chapel building, irregular shaped cem area. Formal and informal markers, diversity over time. Some with chain link or decorative iron fencing. Abundant floral grave material. Cedar marker trees and marker shrubs. Some markers removed from grave site and placed on front area of church. [verified LCHS].Approx 5 acres. GPS_____(replace)_____ Quad 3096-233Lee Co Hist Soc. 11/07/03 reports when FM 696 was re-routed there was some of the Prospect Cem, perhaps remaining under or on other side of FM road. Site maintained by Baptist churches, assoc. in Lee Co. NOTE: some listings of Prospect include Tangelwood as location. Error! East of Lexington. Also reports there is demand for on-going burials but concern that unmarked burials are in the open area without markers. Low risk of endangerment, associated church, maintained, site of historic church.

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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.