Historical Marker

New Bethlehem Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Cut and Shoot, Texas
( 7 mi E of Conroe, Texas on Hwy 105, cross Crystal Creek Bridge, turn left on Milmac Rd. go 1 mi to cemetery)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: HTC medallion and plate

This burial ground has served area residents since the early 20th century. By that time, many families had moved near the Conroe-Cleveland and Willis-Waukegan crossroads; the community they organized would later be named Cut and Shoot. In 1912, Annie Amelia Peel, the widow of Thomas J. Peel, allowed residents to construct a building, called the community school and meeting house, on her property. She later conveyed property for the building and for a cemetery to New Hope Baptist Church. The burial ground, which was later associated with New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, was not used at first because it lacked a fence to keep animals out; residents used other nearby cemeteries instead. By the 1930s, community members began to use this cemetery because area flooding blocked roads to other grave sites.

The first individual buried here was Evalyn A. Davis Kelley (d. 1934); several others were also interred that year. Residents soon erected a fence to enclose the cemetery. Since that time, the cemetery has grown in size, and with hundreds of burials, has functioned as the main graveyard for Cut and Shoot residents. Among those interred here are community leaders, veterans of military conflicts and area pioneers. In 2000, a cemetery association organized to maintain the grounds. Today, New Bethlehem Cemetery continues to serve the area, while also remaining as a testament to the men and women who founded the cut and shoot community.

Historic Texas Cemetery – 2007

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 Anglo American
Texas: A land where men were men and the men that weren’t wished they were
America Dorty in The Brisket Book
Montgomery County, located in southeast Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Bidai peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the forests, rivers, and prairies.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for trade. The region's first settlement, Montgomery, was established in 1822 and quickly became a center for the burgeoning lumber industry. The town was named after the commander of the Battle of the Alamo, General Richard Montgomery.

The growth of Montgomery County continued throughout the 19th century as more settlers arrived and industries such as agriculture and oil production developed. The discovery of oil in 1931 in the nearby East Texas Oil Field brought economic prosperity to the county, attracting new businesses and residents. The booming oil industry fueled development and expansion, transforming the area into a thriving community.

In recent decades, Montgomery County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county's proximity to Houston, combined with its natural beauty and amenities, has attracted many families and businesses. Today, Montgomery County is known for its diverse economy, including sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The county also offers a high quality of life with its excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Montgomery County was established on December 14, 1837.
  • 1838 - The town of Montgomery was chosen as the county seat.
  • 1842 - The first county courthouse was built in Montgomery.
  • 1850 - The population of the county was 2,253.
  • 1870 - The county seat was moved from Montgomery to Conroe.
  • 1889 - The first railroad, International and Great Northern, arrived in the county.
  • 1936 - Lake Conroe was constructed as a water supply reservoir.
  • 1970 - The population of the county exceeded 100,000.
  • 1981 - The Woodlands, a master-planned community, was founded.
  • 2001 - Montgomery County suffered significant damage from Tropical Storm Allison.
  • 2018 - The population of the county reached over 590,000.
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