Historical Marker

Higgins Cemetery

Historical marker location:
County Road AA, Higgins, Texas
( Higgins, .6 mi N on Hwy 60, turn left on Co. Rd AA and go .4 mile)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This burial ground has served residents of the Higgins Community since the late 1800s. Higgins was platted in 1887 on land owned by E.C. Gray, who purchased area property along with his brother-in-law George Patton, and Jim Patton. The three bought land presuming that the Santa Fe Railroad, who planned on expanding to the Texas Panhandle, would build through this area. The railroad would cross Gray’s section, and Higgins would grow into an agricultural, ranching and oil community. The town was named for G.H. Higgins, a stockholder in the Santa Fe Railroad.

Gray deeded this property as a cemetery in 1900, though residents used it before that time. The earliest marked graves are of Ellen M. Patton and Howard F. Peugh, two children who died in 1889. Earlier unmarked burials may also exist here. Others interred include Dr. Rudolf Goettsche, a pioneer dentist and county sheriff; Frank Ewing and George Sennett, friends of and early influences on noted humorist Will Rogers; and the victims of the April 9, 1947 tornado which destroyed many of town’s residences and its business district, claiming the lives of 45 townspeople. The burial ground also holds community leaders, early pioneers and veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War.

The burial ground features vertical stones, curbing, statuary and grave slabs. Still used today, Higgins Cemetery remains as a testament to the pioneering men and women who lived and worked in the Higgins Community.

Historic texas cemetery – 2006

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.

gravesites Anglo American
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Lipscomb County, located in the northernmost part of Texas, has a rich history that reflects the struggles and successes of early settlers in the area. The county was officially established in 1887 and was named after A.S. Lipscomb, a judge and legislator in the Republic of Texas. Prior to its establishment, the land was mainly inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne.

The county's early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and conflicts with Native American tribes. Many early pioneers were drawn to the area for its fertile soil and opportunities for cattle ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought further growth and development to the county.

During the early 20th century, Lipscomb County experienced a boom in agriculture, with cotton and wheat becoming the primary crops. The discovery of oil in the area in the 1920s brought a new wave of prosperity and economic growth. The county saw an increase in population and the establishment of new businesses.

Today, Lipscomb County remains largely rural, with agriculture and oil production continuing to be significant industries. The county's rich history is celebrated through various historical sites and museums, which preserve the stories and heritage of the early settlers who shaped the area.

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

  • 1876 - Lipscomb County was established on August 21, becoming the last of the 254 counties in Texas.
  • 1887 - The town of Lipscomb, which would later become the county seat, was founded.
  • 1902 - The Northeast Texas Panhandle was opened up for settlement, leading to an influx of farmers and ranchers into Lipscomb County.
  • 1907 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway established a line through Lipscomb County, boosting transportation and economic development in the area.
  • 1911 - Lipscomb County's first courthouse was built in Lipscomb.
  • 1920s - The oil boom hit the Lipscomb County area, bringing prosperity and economic growth.
  • 1926 - The town of Lipscomb was incorporated.
  • 1940s - The oil industry continued to thrive, and agriculture remained a significant part of the county's economy.
  • 1969 - The Lipscomb County Courthouse, which served as the county seat, was destroyed in a fire.
  • 1970 - The current courthouse in Lipscomb was built, serving as the county seat.