Historic Cemetery

Pine Ridge Cemetery

Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Pine Ridge Cemetery - Recorded: POLK01, POLK02—Parsons; R. Peebles: “3.5 miles N o fth ejunction of FR 942 sand FR 2500, E of Leggett.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Location: Pine Ridge Cemetery Road – …marked with signs on the highway and cross roads. From Hwy 59 at Leggett, take FM 942 East 11 miles to FR 2500, take a left on the dirt road (2500 Ext. Road). 3.5 miles on the dirt road (crossing the Upper Leggett Road), the road comes almost to a “Y” in the road, take the dirt road to the right (.5 miles on this road). Pine Ridge Cemetery was patented on September 18, 1944 by Nathaniel R. Hickman Jr, Noll Hickman and Willie Taylor as “Hickman Cemetery”, Tract 18, H. & T. C. on 2.3 acres. …Texas General Land Records. Note: There are 22 unidentified graves marked with old funeral home markers that cannot be read, rocks, bricks, homemade concrete markers and small white PVC crosses (made [recently?] and placed by Nollene Marsh.) Many graves. Index, earliest about 1841.” GNISHomemade markers. CSA; US Veterans WWIITHC site visit MB 3-13-05GPS and NOTES PENDING.

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
The enormous influence of Texas is largely due to the fact that it has implemented policies that emphasize economic freedom, and these policies can be replicated in other states
Arthur Laffer in The Laffer Center
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.