St Josephs Cemetery
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.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to establish communities in the area that would become Runnels County. The county was officially established in 1858, named after Hiram G. Runnels, the third governor of the state of Mississippi. The first county seat was Runnels City, but it was later moved to the current county seat of Ballinger in 1888.
Like many areas in Texas, Runnels County experienced a boom in population and economic activity in the late 19th century due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad. The county became known for its ranching and farming, with cotton becoming a prominent crop. The development of infrastructure, such as schools, churches, and businesses, contributed to the growth of the county during this period.
The early 20th century brought challenges to Runnels County, most notably the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The economy suffered as agricultural production declined, and many residents were forced to leave in search of better opportunities. However, the county persevered, and in the latter half of the 20th century, industries such as oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, and renewable energy began to emerge, providing new sources of economic stability.
Today, Runnels County continues to be a predominantly rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's small towns offer a glimpse into its past with historic buildings and museums, showcasing the history and culture of this resilient region in central Texas.
Runnels County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Runnels County, Texas.
- 1858 - Runnels County is officially established and named after Hiram G. Runnels, a former Texas governor
- Mid to late 1800s - Settlements and ranching communities begin to form in the area
- 1886 - Ballinger, the county seat, is founded and becomes a major center for trade and agriculture
- Early 1900s - Runnels County experiences a boom in cotton farming, contributing to its economic growth
- 1920s - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to increased industrial development
- 1940s - World War II and the construction of Camp Bowie near Brownwood greatly impact the local economy
- 1960s - Construction of O.H. Ivie Reservoir begins, providing a reliable water source for the county
- 1980s - Decline in oil production and agriculture affects the county's economy
- 2000s - Efforts to diversify the economy and promote tourism are implemented