Historic Cemetery

Garner Prairie Church Cemetery

a.k.a. Garner Prairie Cemetery

8815 Farm to Market Rd 350 N, Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Polk Co Tx Cem/website listing, near Corrigan, AKA Garner Prairie, no descript. Trinity River Auth moved grave sites to eitherSt. Andrews or toVictory Place cemeteries. Garner Family / Garner Prairie Cemetery Submitted by Cannon Pritchard, PCHCThis cemetery was named for the A. B. Garner Family who came to Polk County in the early 1840's. They settled on property located near the Trinity River. By the early 1960's this small family cemetery still had a wrought iron fence around it but no visible markers. When Lake Livingston, an 80,000 acre lake, was created this cemetery was flooded and is now at the bottom of the lake. Two descendants of this family, Mrs. Corrine Brock Hollenburger and Mr. Curtis M. Garner, Sr. purchased a memorial monument and placed it in the Garner lot/section of the Old City Cemetery in downtown Livingston. This marker provides the information on the Garner family. (See Old City Cemetery in our Index). Located close to the Garner family cemetery was the Garner Prairie Cemetery which served the black community of the area. Before the lake was created the Trinity River Authority contacted the descendants of those buried in this cemetery and moved the graves and markers to St. Andrews Cemetery and Grace Hill Cemetery. (See Index for these cemeteries). THC site visit MB 7-19-05 w/ C Pritchard. Lane to site, now boat dock. Site underwater, only marked graves were moved. Area recreational, resort subdivision. GPS and NOTES PENDING3194-221 or 3094-334.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

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

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.