Historical Marker

Willow Grove Community Cemetery

Historical marker location:
1639 Willow Grove Rd, Willow Grove, Texas
( adjacent to the east side but not part of the Willow Grove School and Church at 1639 Willow Grove Road)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This cemetery has served the community of Willow Grove since the late 1800s. William "Buck" Manning and A.W. Crawford, former slaves, moved here with their families in the years following emancipation (1865), founding Willow Grove in 1871. They purchased property and each man donated an acre of land on which to establish Willow Grove Baptist Church and this cemetery. The first burial in Willow Grove Community Cemetery was for Dallas Gardner in 1880, followed in the same year by infant Joe A. Crawford. Most of the early settlers in Willow Grove, including Buck Manning and A.W. Crawford, are buried here. Other early families represented in the burial ground are the Browns, Hamiltons, Robersons and McLennans. Notable burials include those of Jewett Presnall (Preston) Manning, a World War II veteran and Speegleville fire chief. Also interred here are veterans of foreign conflicts dating to World War I and a number of individuals whose graves are unmarked. As the community grew, concerned residents came together to care for the cemetery. In 1935, the Willow Grove Homecoming Club, later renamed Willow Grove Homecoming, formed to maintain the grounds and define guidelines for interment of family and community members. The association still cares for the burial ground. Today, Willow Grove Community Cemetery continues to serve area residents and descendants of the pioneering families who came together to form a rural settlement here. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005 Marker is property of the state of Texas

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
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
McLennan County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 1600s, primarily Spanish explorers searching for new lands and resources in Texas. In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, and the area soon became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

The county was officially established in 1850, named after Neil McLennan, a Scottish settler who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The county's initial economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton, corn, and livestock becoming major industries. In 1870, the completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the first bridges to span the Brazos River, bolstered the county's growth and connected it to the expanding railroad network.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McLennan County experienced periods of rapid growth and development. The city of Waco, the county seat, became a prosperous center for commerce, education, and culture. With the establishment of Baylor University in 1845 and the creation of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968, Waco gained a reputation as an educational and historical hub. The county also played a significant role in the development of the Texas oil industry, as numerous oil fields were discovered and exploited in the early 20th century.

Despite its prosperous history, McLennan County faced challenges as well. It witnessed racial tensions and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. One of the county's most infamous events occurred in 1993 when an armed standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians religious sect resulted in a tragic fire at their compound near Waco, leaving many dead. However, the county has shown resilience, with ongoing efforts to address social issues and promote economic development, making it a vibrant and evolving community.

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

  • 1837 - McLennan County is established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1849 - Waco, the county seat, is founded
  • 1860s - McLennan County experiences rapid growth with the expansion of the cattle industry and arrival of the railroad
  • 1874 - Baylor University is relocated to Waco
  • 1886 - The Texas Cotton Palace Exposition is held in Waco to showcase the county's cotton industry
  • 1916 - A tornado devastates downtown Waco, causing significant damage and loss of life
  • 1930s - McLennan County suffers during the Great Depression, but also sees some economic improvements through New Deal programs
  • 1951 - The Waco VA Hospital is established, providing medical care for veterans
  • 1993 - The Branch Davidian standoff occurs in Waco, resulting in a tragic fire and loss of life
  • 2015 - McLennan County celebrates its 150th anniversary