Historic cemeteries in
Madison, Texas

Allphin Cemetery Antioch Cemetery Bethlehem Cemetery Bozeman Family Cemetery Burroughs Cemetery Burtis Graves Cemetery Cammack Cemetery Cannon Stock Farm Cemetery Chapel Hill Cemetery Elwood Cemetery Elwood Methodist Church Cemetery Farris Cemetery Fellowship Cemetery Fellowship Church Grave Cemetery Forrest Ranch Family Cemetery Frown Cemetery Greenbriar Cemetery Greer Cemetery Hayes Cemetery Haynes Family Cemetery High Prairie Cemetery Hopewell Cemetery Jozye Cemetery Keefer Cemetery Larrison Cemetery Madisonville City Cemetery Martin Cemetery Martin Grave Cemetery Midway Cemetery Miller Family Cemetery Mt. Tabor Cemetery Napolean Lewis Grave Cemetery Nash Cemetery Oxford Cemetery Park Cemetery Plainview Cemetery Randolph Cemetery Rock Prairie Cemetery #1 Rock Prairie Cemetery #2 Rocky Hill Cemetery Sand Prairie Cemetery Sand Prairie Cemetery #1 Sweet Home Cemetery Tan Yard Cemetery Ten Mile Cemetery Union Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Viser Family Cemetery Wallace Cemetery West End Memorial Cemetery Williamson-Cedar Cemetery Willow Hole Cemetery
Available on Amazon
Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards (Messages from the Dead) Paperback – May 30, 2017
Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards (Messages from the Dead)

Texas does believe in a fair deal and clean politics
Molly Ivins in Fond Farewell
Madison County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that traces back to its establishment in the mid-19th century. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes, including the Caddo and the Coushatta. However, the arrival of European settlers drastically altered the region's demographics and culture.

In 1821, Texas received independence from Spain, and the area that encompasses Madison County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, after the Texan Revolution, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and Madison County was created as a separate entity in 1853. It was named after the fourth U.S. President, James Madison, and was primarily established as a farming community due to its fertile soil and abundance of water sources.

During the Civil War era, Madison County, like much of Texas, supported the Confederate States of America. Many of the residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area experienced its fair share of conflict and devastation. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, relying on agriculture and ranching as key industries.

Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to thrive agriculturally. Cotton became a major crop, and the county became known for its production and processing. The discovery of oil and gas fields further bolstered the economy, providing a new source of wealth and employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich history while embracing economic diversification and growth.

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

  • 1837 - Madison County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • Mid-1800s - Pioneers settle in the area, primarily of Anglo-American descent
  • 1853 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Madisonville
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences population growth with the arrival of railroad lines
  • 1861-1865 - Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • Late 1800s to early 1900s - Agriculture, including cotton, becomes a major industry in the county
  • 1911 - The discovery of oil leads to the development of the oil industry in the county
  • 20th century - Madisonville becomes an important center for trade and commerce in the region
  • Present - Madison County remains a rural area with a diverse economy including agriculture, oil, and tourism