Historic Cemetery

Lima Cemetery

Livingston, Texas
Location: Lima Cemetery Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “S. of Livingston, no descript.” L.Moore: “From Livingston, Hwy 190 S on Hwy 59, 2.2 miles, in the woods.” Lima Cemetery Submitted April 2002 by Cannon Pritchard This small cemetery is partially surrounded by a fence in deep woods and covered by heavy underbrush. It appears to have been a family cemetery in the early 20th Century. Location: Travel 1.5 miles from the Polk County Courthouse in downtown Livingston on U. S. Highway 59 South. On the right side of Highway 59 facing West the cemetery can be found half way in the woods between Highway 59 and the railroad tracks. The land area is unfenced. Three small upright white marble markers with no inscriptions on them. Note: Due to the difficulty of the low thick underbrush covered with poison ivy, there was no attempt to cut back the underbrush to probe the ground for other markers that may be covered. The cemetery is located on private property. Attempted THC site visit MB 7-19-05 w/ C Pritchard—revisit, walk in on a Sunday. Graves overgrown on highland, adjacent to auto salvage. GPS and NOTES PENDING3094-323High risk, remote, adjacent to auto salvage, on high line, wooded area.

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
Texas does believe in a fair deal and clean politics
Molly Ivins in Fond Farewell
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.