Historic Cemetery

Bethany Memorial Cemetery

a.k.a. Bethany Baptist Cemetery; Bethany Memorial Garden

Milam, Texas
Location: SB-C078 Bethany Memorial Cemetery THC site visit MB 6/06/04 AKA Bethany Memorial GardensAKA Bethany Baptist CemeteryTopo area3193-234 Sabine Co Hist Soc, Rootsweb: “ From the courthouse in Hemphill, Texas take FM 83 East 1 block to State Hwy 87. Go North or Left on Hwy 87 for 7 miles to Milam. Continue North on Hwy 87 for 0.1 mile. Turn East or Right into the parking lot of Bethany Baptist Church. You will see the cemetery on the East side of the church. 16 graves. Cem. Index”THC site visit MB 6/06/04: Milam, Tx, SH 83, 0.6 mile from intersection of SH 21 and SH 87. Behind and down hill from Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, adjacent to parsonage. Formal cemetery, brick columns and arched entryway with steel fencing. Diversity of formal markers, large and small. Abundant floral grave materials. No marker trees or shrubs. San Augustine grass. Approx 0.21 acre. GPS 31.26.02.73638N –93.50.39.91093W. Quad 3194-234.Low risk of endangerment, fenced, maintained, nearby church maintenance. 3193-234 Local hist. notesNear Meador Cem.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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
Sabine County, located in the eastern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water sources for sustenance. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish expeditions led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast, including the Sabine River.

In the early 19th century, Sabine County became a part of the newly established Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The area attracted American settlers who were lured by the fertile soil for farming and the potential for trade along the Sabine River. One influential settler, James Gaines, established the city of Milam in 1835, which would later become the county seat of Sabine County.

The history of Sabine County is closely intertwined with the struggle for independence and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, the area witnessed several significant events, such as the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and the Battle of Gaines' Ferry in 1836. After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, Sabine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.

As the years went by, Sabine County experienced various economic booms and downturns, primarily driven by industries such as timber and oil. The timber industry played a vital role in the county's early development, with sawmills and logging camps becoming prominent features of the local economy. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil led to a short-lived but significant oil boom in the area, attracting numerous companies and workers.

Today, Sabine County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas. Its rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and landmarks, showcasing its role as an integral part of Texas's heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sabine County, Texas.

  • 1836: Sabine County is established and organized as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1843: The town of Hemphill is established as the county seat of Sabine County.
  • 1854: The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is constructed on the Sabine Pass.
  • 1861: Sabine County residents vote overwhelmingly in favor of secession from the Union.
  • 1881: The Texas State Penitentiary is established in Sabine County.
  • 1936: Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is completed along the Sabine River.
  • 1957: The Sabine River Authority of Texas is created to manage the water resources of the Sabine River Basin.
  • 1976: The Sabine County Historical Commission is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1990: The Sabine County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.