Historical Marker

Pin Oak Cemetery

Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This burial ground, which extends along Pin Oak Creek, has served the rural Pin Oak Settlement, as well as the surrounding gause, hanover and liberty communities. Most of the area settlers, the earliest of whom were here by the 1850s, took advantage of the area’s fertile soil and engaged in agriculture. Many of the early Pin Oak settlers were related, with a number coming from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Morgan and Marshall counties in Alabama. The settlers established a school prior to the Civil War, which served Pin Oak until it consolidated with the Milano Independent School District in 1949.

This property was deeded by Walker P. Perkins for use as a cemetery in 1896, when he conveyed it to trustees W.H. Spinks, R.T. Littleton and John Ditto. The earliest known burials, of Charles Shafer and then James D. Faubion, occurred in 1861, though there may be older unmarked graves. Cemetery features include vertical stones, curbing and obelisks. Among the interred are veterans of conflicts dating to the civil war.

The Pin Oak community began to decline after World War II, as many residents followed the national trend in moving to urban areas for employment opportunities. The cemetery deteriorated, but concerned family members worked to preserve the burial ground. Today, residents and relatives of the deceased continue to care for the cemetery, which serves as a record of the pioneering men and women of the Pin Oak community

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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Texas random facts
Milam County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. These tribes coexisted with Spanish explorers and later with Anglo settlers who gradually began to migrate to the area.

In 1825, the Mexican government issued land grants in the region, attracting a wave of American immigrants to the area. In 1834, the Mexican government designated Milam County as a separate municipality, and it was named after Benjamin Rush Milam, a prominent Texas revolutionary. After the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region experienced continuous growth and development.

During the mid-19th century, agriculture became the primary industry in Milam County, with cotton being the dominant crop. Many plantations were established, relying on slave labor until the abolition of slavery in 1865. The county also saw the establishment of several small towns, including Cameron, Rockdale, and Buckholts, which served as centers of trade and commerce.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the county's development. The expansion of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, boosting the local economy. The county experienced periods of prosperity and setbacks, including the Great Depression, but managed to rebound and adapt to changing economic conditions.

Today, Milam County remains an agricultural hub, known for its production of cotton, corn, and livestock. It is also home to scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community that values its history and heritage. The county continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities while preserving its cultural roots.

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

  • 1824 - Milam County is part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
  • 1837 - The Republic of Texas establishes Milam County as a separate entity
  • 1846 - Milam County is officially part of the state of Texas after the Texas Annexation
  • 1860s - Milam County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to the railroad expansion
  • 1874 - Cameron is selected as the county seat of Milam County
  • 1940s-1950s - Milam County becomes an important hub for oil and gas production
  • 1960s-1970s - Milam County faces economic decline due to the decrease in oil and gas production
  • 1990s - Milam County experiences some economic revitalization through tourism and the establishment of new industries