Historic Cemetery

Oklahoma Lane Cemetery

445 FM1731, Farwell, Texas 79325
Location: 1.5 miles south of Oklahoma Lane Crossroads on FM 1731.

Graves: 260 (1925 to present)

Size: 3 acres

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
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
Parmer County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich history dating back to the time of the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area. Prior to European settlement, the Apache and Comanche tribes roamed the plains of Parmer County, utilizing the fertile land for hunting and gathering.

In the late 19th century, as the railroad expanded westward, Parmer County saw an influx of settlers from various backgrounds. The county was officially established in 1876, named after Martin Parmer, a veteran of the American Revolution. The county seat was established in Farwell in 1907, which remains its central town today.

Agriculture has always played a significant role in Parmer County's economy. In the early days, farmers relied on dryland farming, cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and cotton. However, the lack of water posed a significant challenge, which was addressed with the development of irrigation systems in the early 20th century. This led to a boom in the production of high-quality crops, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, and peanuts.

Parmer County has also experienced its fair share of hardships. The Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, and many farmers struggled to make ends meet. However, with measures like the New Deal programs and advancements in farming technology, the county was able to gradually recover.

Today, Parmer County continues to be a vibrant agricultural region, with its fertile soil supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The county also offers recreational activities, historical landmarks, and a sense of community that reflects its diverse and resilient past.

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

  • 1876 - Parmer County is established on August 21, 1876.
  • 1887 - Bovina is founded as the first settlement in the county.
  • 1890 - The county's population is recorded at 307 people.
  • 1900 - Parmer County's population grows to 1,285 residents.
  • 1906 - Friona is established as a new town in the county.
  • 1912 - The first courthouse in the county is completed in Farwell.
  • 1917 - Farwell becomes the county seat.
  • 1955 - Bovina becomes an incorporated city.
  • 1970s - The county's population exceeds 10,000 due to increased farming and production.
  • 1989 - The Parmer County Wind Energy Association is formed to utilize wind power resources in the area.