Armour Cemetery

Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Established in 1878, this burial ground served the former community of Armour. The cemetery is located on property deeded by community founder, James Armour (d. 1896), for school, church and burial purposes. James Armour was born in 1825 in Jackson County, Georgia, and was a landowner, community and church leader, and Civil War veteran. Armour married Narita Jane Kennedy (d. 1902) in 1849; the couple had ten children. In 1882, James Armour laid out the community of Sandy Creek, which later bore his name. By 1884, the settlement, one of the earliest in northern Limestone County, had two churches, a school district and two gristmills. The Armour community declined quickly after 1903, when the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad established a new town, Coolidge, along tracks set one mile north of here. Businesses and other establishments, including the Sandy Creek Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church of Coolidge), moved to the new community. The oldest marked graves here are for Annie Lou Hooper and her husband, James E. Hooper, who both died in 1878. Also interred are community leaders, area pioneers and veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War. Cemetery features include vertical stones, curbing and fraternal monuments. The cemetery is divided into four sections: Old Armour, New Armour, The Norwegian Cemetery and the Catholic Cemetery, which is known locally as the Mexican Cemetery. The Coolidge Cemetery Association maintains the first three sections, while descendants care for the Catholic Cemetery. Today, Armour Cemetery is the last remaining vestige of the historic Armour community, and continues to serve descendants of this area's early pioneers. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2007

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.

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The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Limestone County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tawakoni and the Kickapoo. In the early 1830s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources.

In 1833, Limestone County was officially established and named after a large limestone formation found in the region. The county quickly became an important agricultural center, with settlers growing cotton, corn, and wheat. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and led to the growth of several towns, including Mexia and Groesbeck.

Limestone County experienced its share of hardships throughout its history. During the Civil War, the county faced economic challenges as many men left to fight in the conflict. Reconstruction brought further difficulties, with tensions rising between white settlers and newly freed African Americans. However, the county rebounded from these challenges, and by the late 19th century, Limestone County was known for its thriving agricultural industry and successful businesses.

Today, Limestone County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy. The county is also home to several historical sites, including Fort Parker State Park, which preserves the history of the Fort Parker settlement and the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker by Native Americans. Limestone County's rich history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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

  • 1833 - Limestone County is established as part of Mexican Texas
  • 1836 - Texas becomes independent from Mexico
  • 1846 - Limestone County is formally organized
  • 1860s - County experiences growth due to the expansion of the railroad network
  • 1873 - Groesbeck is chosen as the county seat
  • 1880s - Cotton and corn become major crops in the county
  • 1903 - First oil well is drilled in Limestone County
  • 1930s - County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression
  • 1940s - World War II brings economic recovery and increased population
  • 1950s - Local agricultural sector declines, but the oil industry continues to thrive
  • 1970s - County experiences economic growth with the opening of lignite coal mines
  • 1980s - Lignite coal industry declines, impacting the local economy
  • 2000s - County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism