Montague Cemetery
Historical marker location:The first known settlers in Montague County arrived in 1849. After the county was formed in 1857, the City of Montague was created a year later to serve as county seat. The town grew slowly at first, but by 1871 was developing rapidly and experiencing an influx of new settlers. James M. Gibbons, one of the early pioneers, came to this area from Tennessee. Family history indicates that Gibbons donated the first plot of land in this cemetery for the burial of his wife, Elizabeth Lankford Gibbons, upon her death in 1862. He later married Nancy Elizabeth Furr, who also is buried here. Gibbons died in 1899 and is interred in the cemetery, as are several other family members and numerous other early settlers. The Montague Cemetery contains both unmarked and marked graves. About 60 of the legible tombstones bear dates from the 1800s. Several Confederate veterans and a few early Texas Rangers also are buried here. With ties to the early settlement of Montague, this graveyard is an important part of the area's history. Care for the burial sites is provided by the Montague Cemetery Association.
(1985)
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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
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.
Montague County Timeline
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