Historic Cemetery

Wood-Snell Cemetery

Texas
Location: Wood-Snell Family Cemetery SOURCE McXie W. Martin, 1993. Broaddus, Tx area. From SH 83 R on FM 2390, aka Harvey Creek Park Road. Go to second crossroads, turn right and follow signs. Cem cannot be seen from road, is along trail that goes behind former home of Tom and Leona Harvey Snell. Fenced site, well maintained. Originally known as Harvey Cemetery but when Magee Bend became Lake Sam Rayburn, the name of cem was changed to Wood Snell Cem, named for family’s sons-in-law. Site near old post office of Zana (discontinued). Approx 36 markers, unknown unmarked graves. ALSO SEE Harvey Cemetery VERIFY dominant name. HARVEY or WOOD SNELLThe The Handbook of Texas Online. http:--www.tsha.utexas.edu-handbook-online-articles … Stephen Prather, early colonist, merchant, and soldier, was born on June 18, 1782, in Mercer County, Kentucky …a bronze marker on Highway 21, route of the Old San Antonio Road, in San Augustine commemorates Prather's actions in the "battle of Fredonia." He died in San Augustine County on December 19, 1832, and is buried in the Wood-Snell Cemetery near Broaddus. Shirley Brittain Cawyer THC site visit 6-23-05 MB w/ K Skillern. Broaddus, Tx area. SH 83 to FM 2930, S for 4.4 miles to intersection with FM 2189 on E side of road, but turn W or right on CR 475 S for 0.5 miles to Y interesection with CR 4715 S, stay R on CR 427 for 1.0 to sign, “Private Drive, Cemetery Access Only.” Gravel lane leads W beside residence approx 700 ft. S-SW along lane to fenced cemetery on peninsula over Lake Sam Rayburn. Adjacent to woodlands, water and residence. Before lake was high hilltop ridge. Fenced formal site, diversity of markers over time, obelisks, locally caste markers, commercial markers. Appears that fieldstone markers were removed and replaced with square concrete blocks. One very large Oak tree in central area, also large Gardenia shrub. Large flag, some floral grave materials. Wood-Snell Cemetery. Approx 0.16 acre. SA-C008. Bronson, Tx area. Lake Sam Rayburn. GPS 31.14.51.83911N –94.15.21.95422W. USGS 3194-124. © RIP Survey, Texas Historical Commission.Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, in use, on map.

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
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
San Augustine County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Caddo peoples. It wasn't until the 18th century that European settlers began to arrive, with the Spanish establishing a mission and presidio in the region.

In the early 19th century, San Augustine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico. However, tensions soon arose as American settlers began to outnumber the Mexican population. This led to the Texas Revolution in 1836, and San Augustine County played an important role in the struggle for Texan independence. The town of San Augustine served as the headquarters of the Texas Revolutionary Army during the Battle of Nacogdoches.

After Texas gained its independence, San Augustine County became a part of the Republic of Texas. The area saw rapid growth and development during this time, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The county's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The timber industry also played a significant role, as the county was rich in valuable timber resources.

In the 20th century, San Augustine County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the county has worked hard to preserve its rich history and promote tourism. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Mission Dolores State Historic Site, which features the remains of an 18th-century Spanish mission, and the Augus Theater, a historic movie theater that has been restored to its former glory. San Augustine County remains a place where the past intertwines with the present, showcasing the resilience and rich heritage of East Texas.

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

  • 1717: San Augustine County is established as the first Spanish municipality in Texas.
  • 1824: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846: The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States, and San Augustine County becomes part of the state of Texas.
  • 1896: The town of San Augustine is incorporated.
  • 1939: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department establishes the Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine County.
  • 1980: The county courthouse in San Augustine is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1991: San Augustine County celebrates its 275th anniversary.