Historic Cemetery

Old Livingston Founders Cemetery

Texas
Location: Change #s from C138 to C124, aka overlapOld City Founders Cemetery AKA Livingston Cem.AKA Founders Cem.Recorded: P0LK82, POLK08—Parsons; R. Peebles: “2 blocks E of the courthouse on Hwy 190, Livingston.” THC Marker: “On Long King's Trace, traveled as early as 1834. From the Indian Village near Swartwout, on the Trinity River, to the principle East Texas town, Nacogdoches. (US 190 follow Trace in this area.) “ Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Located at the corner of Hwy 146 and Hwy 190 in Livingston. Indexed. transcription of the marked graves found at the Old City Cemetery. Many of the graves are no longer marked in any way other than white wooden crosses placed there during the indepth study by the Historical Commission. A partial list of unmarked graves can be found at the bottom of this page. For information on the unmarked graves, please contact the Polk County Historical Commission. Also extensive research from Polk County deeds, probate records, Wills, tax records, census records, and obituaries from the Polk County Enterprise newspapers. Many graves. Index. Earliest about 1860.” L. Moore: “Hwy 190 E, 2 blocks, on left from Hwy 59.” Mexican WarCSA, Masonic and WOW emblemsFamily memorial stone for members buried elsewhereTHC site visit MB 2-05-05. Livingston, Tx, corners of Church St., SH 146, East St and N Polk St. Downtown, adjacent to church, business, fast food chain, city bldgs. Steel fencing, landscaped corners, small entry gate off Church St., some breaks in fence along SH 146. Formal site with memorial marker and THC marker. CSA memorial and flagpole. Considerable diversity of markers over time, including large domed brick vaults, obelisks, slabs, sculptures, curbing (cut stone and brick). May include some unmarked graves in open areas. Pathways. Only grave materials are CSA and Rep Tx flags. Site may no longer be in use. CSA, Masonic, WoW and Rep of Tx affiliations. Approx 1.61 acres. GPS 30.42.40.54970N –94.55.49.51075W. USGS 3094-323 Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, historical markers, adjacent to street, church, businesses. Some evidence of prior vandalism now repaired.

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
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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.