Historical Marker

Center Point Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Off US 82, on local road 5 mi. from Saint Jo, Saint Jo, Texas
( From Saint Jo take US 82 3.5 miles west; turn north onto gravel road and follow 1.5 miles to cemetery.)
Marker installed: 1996
Marker size: 18" x 28"

First known as Fairview Graveyard, this cemetery began in the late 1800s. This hilltop was also the site of the Baptist church and school, and was a community gathering place. The church building was torn down in 1954. Land for the cemetery was deeded in 1893 by the Armstrong and Dean families. The earliest marked grave is that of three-year-old Xanthippa Rountree in 1875, but many unmarked graves and illegible tombstones may represent older burials. Pioneer settlers, young children, and Civil War veterans are among those buried at this cemetery.

(1996)

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.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Montague County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Caddo tribes, who relied on the land's resources for sustenance. In the early 1830s, European settlers began to arrive, establishing permanent settlements and bringing significant changes to the region.

The county's namesake, Daniel Montague, arrived in the area in 1854 and became one of the first permanent settlers. Montague County was officially established and organized in 1858, with Montague serving as its first county seat. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and accessibility issues, many of the early settlements faced challenges in their development.

The discovery of oil and gas reserves in Montague County in the early 1900s brought significant economic development to the region. This led to an increase in population and infrastructure, and the county experienced a boom in oil production during the mid-20th century. The county's economy diversified over time to include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, contributing to its growth and stability.

Today, Montague County is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vast prairies, and scenic rivers attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The county also celebrates its history through its various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events, preserving the heritage and culture of the area for future generations to appreciate.

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

  • 1857: Montague County is established by the Texas legislature
  • 1860: The first county courthouse is built in the town of Montague
  • 1861-1865: Montague County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War
  • 1874: The town of Saint Jo is founded
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway extends into Montague County, promoting economic growth
  • 1884: The town of Nocona is established
  • 1900: The Montague County courthouse burns down and is subsequently rebuilt
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl impact the county, causing economic hardship
  • 1957: The Montague County Courthouse is again destroyed by fire but is reconstructed
  • 2000: The county experiences population growth and ongoing development