Harper Chapel Cemetery
On December 1, 1890, I.H. Pratt deeded one acre of land at this site to J.R. Harper. Born in 1838 in Hinds County, Mississippi, Harper came to Texas with his wife Delilah (Rice) (1836-1908), with whom he had six children. He died in 1896 and was the first to be buried here, at what was then known as Harper Cemetery. His wife was buried next to him 12 years later. Because of a fire at the Sabine County courthouse, the original deed is only referenced in a 1925 deed transfer to J.D. Fuller and E.H. Murphee. By that time, the Harper Chapel community, originally known as Lick Skillet, had further developed. Local Baptists completed construction on their wood-frame church house, Harper Chapel, in 1934. The community continued to utilize the burial ground here, acquiring additional acreage from donors over the years. The cemetery today is a link to the generations of area residents. Among those buried here are U.S. military veterans from conflicts beginning with World War I. The Harper Chapel Cemetery Association, comprised of descendants and friends of those buried here, maintains the site. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2004
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
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.
Sabine County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.