Historic Cemetery

Stryker #2 Cemetery

Corrigan, Texas 75939
Location: Stryker Cemetery — Recorded: POLK0l, POLK02—Parsons; GNIS as Pluck location—NW of Corrigan. R. Peebles: “on FR 352 for 5 miles E of Corrigan at Pluck.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “This cemetery was established about 1878 for the Stryker Community. Mr. George H. Stryker had established a large lumber mill, town, church and school. ..cemetery named [for] George H. & Anna Stryker … from New Jersey. Location: At the intersection of U. S. Highway 59 and Farm Road 352 in Corrigan, Texas, go East on FM 352 for 4.7 miles to the Stryker Baptist Church. Turn left in front of church on a county paved road at the Stryker Cemetery sign and go 0.4 miles to the cemetery entrance. Many graves. Indexed, earliest about 1887.” GNIS at Wakefield. [Topo Zone mapBoth cems off Lunsford Road,very near Pluck, Tx. One appears rural, at end of a lane, oneis at intersection with FM 352 and with Purvis Rd.US Veteranss: WWI and WWII, KoreCSATHC site visit MB 2-05-05: Corrigan, Tx area. From US 59 jW on FM 352 for 4.9 miles, left a Y on Purvis Rd. Large formal site with picnic pavillion. Arched entryway, sign and flagpole with US flag. Formal markers include obelisks, commercial stones, some fieldstones, also some double markers on single graves. Scraped earth, white sand. Abundant floral grave materials, some decorative items. Photo enamels. GPS and NOTES PENDING3194-221Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, on map, on road, sign, still in use.

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 is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word.
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley: In Search of America
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.