Historical Marker

Davidson Family Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Vista Ridge Development on the left about 1300 feet from the road, Corsicana, Texas
( 12 miles south on Hwy. 287 to Eureka. Turn left on SE CR 3110. Go 1 ¼ mile and turn right, go another ¾ mile and turn left on SE CR 3150. Go 6/10 mile)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

DAVIDSON FAMILY CEMETERY

WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON (1777-1861), JANE STUART (FLEMING) DAVIDSON (1787-1869) AND THEIR CHILDREN CAME TO TEXAS IN 1851 FROM MISSISSIPPI AND SETTLED IN BRAZOS COUNTY. AROUND 1857, THEY MOVED TO NAVARRO COUNTY. THAT SAME YEAR, DAVIDSON PURCHASED TWO TRACTS OF LAND FROM WILLIAM M. LOVE IN SOUTHEASTERN NAVARRO COUNTY TOTALING 830 ACRES AND BEGAN TO FARM THE LAND. HIS SONS, WALKER YOUNG DAVIDSON AND ROBERT STUART DAVIDSON, ALSO PURCHASED LAND FROM WILLIAM M. LOVE AS WELL AS MORE LAND IN THE AREA OVER THE YEARS. BOTH SONS SERVED IN CO. H, 20TH TEXAS CAVALRY, BASS REGIMENT DURING THE CIVIL WAR. THE DAVIDSONS WERE SUCCESSFUL SHEEP FARMERS AND RANCHERS, AND WERE KNOWN BY THE LARGER CATTLE RANCHERS OF THE AREA AS “GRANGERS.” IT IS BELIEVED THAT THEY WERE LIKELY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, A FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN FARMERS.

IN 1861, A PORTION OF THE DAVIDSON LAND WAS SET ASIDE AS A FAMILY BURIAL SITE ON THE TRACT DEEDED TO ROBERT STUART DAVIDSON. THE FIRST KNOWN BURIAL IS THAT OF MARY ANN (1860-1861), THE DAUGHTER OF WALKER YOUNG DAVIDSON AND ANN E. DAVIDSON. BOTH WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON AND JANE STUART DAVIDSON ARE BURIED HERE. IN ADDITION, ROBERT STUART DAVIDSON (1833-1880) IS BURIED HERE ALONG WITH THE WIFE OF WALKER YOUNG DAVIDSON, ANN ELIZA (1840-1883), AND HER DAUGHTER, MISSOURI ELIZA (1861-1871). WALKER YOUNG IS BURIED IN THE NEARBY EUREKA CEMETERY. THIS SMALL FAMILY BURIAL GROUND IS FENCED AND FEATURES STONE MARKERS AND OBELISKS. IT IS A REMINDER OF EARLY PIONEER SETTLERS TO THE EUREKA COMMUNITY AND NAVARRO COUNTY.

HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2003

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
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Navarro County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche, who settled along the Trinity River. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th century, with Spanish explorers such as Domingo Terán de los Ríos making expeditions through the region.

During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.

Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.

In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.

Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.

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

  • 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
  • 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
  • 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
  • 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
  • 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
  • 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
  • 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
  • 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
  • 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
  • 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
  • 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
  • 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
  • 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic