Historic Cemetery

Knox Cemetery

Corrigan, Texas 75939
Location: Knox Cemetery — Recorded: POLK02—Parsons; R. Peeb les: “1.1 miles E of Corrigan on US 287, 0.5 mile in woods.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Directions: In Corrigan, at the intersection of hwy 59 and Hwy 287, go north 0.4 miles, then turn right on FM 352. Go 1.2 miles to IVY RD. on the right. (It may look like a Private Drive, but there is a road sign) Go0 .1 mile to the cemetery. It will be the 1st one. The other is the Kennedy Cemetery. There are no cemetery signs. About 21 graves. Index, earliest 1877.” GNIS. Attempted site visit MB 1-22-05, locked gate, private residences, site nearby but not visible from road.KNOX CEMETERYSubmitted by O. Jones PerkinsJanuary 2002Location: Corrigan, Texas, from the intersection of HWY 59 and 287, proceed north on 59 for .4 mile, turn right on FM Road 352 for 1.1 mile. Turn right on Ivy [not Ivory] Road for 1 mile, a dirt road. Knox Cemetery is the first cemetery and surrounded by a fence. Veer left for approximately 50 yards to view the Kennedy Cemetery, also surrounded by a fence.THC site visit MB 7-20-05 w/ C. Pritchard: Corrigan, Tx area. From US 59 E on FM 352 approx 1.1 miles, turn right on Ivy road at residence. Road runs alongside residence, is not a driveway. From FM 352 road approx 570 ft. to hilltop. Recent clear-cut logging right up to cemetery fence. Grave depressions and markers outside of fence on W and N sides, formal and informal markers dozed and toppled. Unknown other markers in dozer piles, including broken fieldstone marker with inscription carved into stone, remnants of fencing. Knox Cem is undisturbed inside fence. Adjacent Kennedy Cem has fence damage, recently repaired but no apparent damage inside cem. Only burials in about 65 ft. area between the two fenced sites were dozed. Knox is formal cemetery with commercial granit markers, old and new, large and small. One floral grave decoration, some floral debris over fence. Locked gate, no access inside fence. GPS PENDING3194-221High risk of endangerment, site maintained and fenced, but clear cut logging to fence, remote, inaccurately on map, no sign.

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.

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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.