Historic Cemetery

Whitehead Cemetery

Chester, Texas 75936
Location: Whitehead Cemetery — Recorded: POLK0l, POLK02—Parsons; R. Peebles: “3.5 miles E of Barnes just off FR 1745.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website, J. Muson and B. Evins: “Location: From Barnes, East on FM 1745, go 3.5 miles to Caney Loop, turn right, 0.1 mile turn right on Whitehead Rd., road ends 0.1 mile at Historic Whitehead Home, Cemetery is about 100 yards behind home in fenced pasture. Permission should be obtained as this is private property. State Historical Marker at Homesite in front of Cemetery. About 32 graves, one unmarked. Index, earliest 1911.” Topo Zone map in this file. GNIS L. Moore: “From Barnes, E on 1745, go 3.5 miles, right, 2 miles.” Private propertyPermission requiredUS Veterans of WW I (?) Milt. Pol. Masonic emblemTHC site visit MB 7-20-05 w/ C. Pritchard: Barnes, Tx area. FM 1745 to E Caney Loop, 0.05 mile to old sign post without sign (Whitehead Cem Rd), R to house and gate, approx ___ ft. Cem is behind house approx ___ ft., house is maintained dog-trot house with THC marker. Fenced with diversity of formal markers, obelisks, commercial markers, fieldstones. Some graves have both early and more recent marker. Cedar and Crape Myrtle marker trees. Additional Crape Myrtles at corners. GPS and NOTES PENDING3094-343Low risk of endangerment, on map, sign on road, maintained, may still be in use, at residence.

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 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.