Historic Cemetery

Whiteside Cemetery

Texas
Location: Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Located about 0.5 mile north of FM 943 at the Hardin County line, on a hill near Big Sandy Creek where the county line crosses the creek. Small fenced in area about 50 by 75 feet. Old fence down in some places. Cemetery is grown up with switch cane, small trees and vines. 4 graves, one unknown. Earliest 1922.” L. Moore: “From Livinston, Hwy 146 S to Hwy 943, left to Tyler Co. line, left near creek.” Whiteside Cemetery — Recorded: HARD0l—Parsons; M. Wright (1976), map 5: “Listed in Hardin Co. near juntion of Hardin, Tyler and Polk counties. Overgrown road leads to small, well kept area, fenced. 2 marked, 3 unmarked graves. Earliest 1922. Index.” [Topo Zone map in this file]Wooden stake burial markersClosest acess road in Polk Co.Hardin Co lists as:Whiteside Cemetery — Recorded: HARD0l—Parsons; M. Wright (1976), map 5: “Listed in Hardin Co. near juntion of Hardin, Tyler and Polk counties. Overgrown road leads to small, well kept area, fenced. 2 marked, 3 unmarked graves. Earliest 1922. Index.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Located about 0.5 mile north of FM 943 at the Hardin County line, on a hill near Big Sandy Creek where the county line crosses the creek. Small fenced in area about 50 by 75 feet. Old fence down in some places. Cemetery is grown up with switch cane, small trees and vines. 4 graves, one unknown. Earliest 1922.” [Topo Zone map in this file] L. Moore: “From Livingston, Hwy 146 S to Hwy 943, left to Tyler Co. line, left near creek.” Hardin Co.THC site visit MB 7-15-05 w/ L Hale, Lyons, BoyettOn County line, highly endangered by deer camp. SEE Hardin Co. NOTE: On Polk and Hardin Co. line, claimed by both counties, photos labeled for HN-C.

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
I love Texas because Texas is futuroland.
Ray Bradbury in The Vintage Bradbury
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.