Historical Marker

Thomas Cemetery

Historical marker location:
San Augustine, Texas
( 5.8 miles from the San Augustine County Court House on Highway 21 West, left turn on to County Road 274 for .25 mile Thomas Cemetery on right)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1822, North Carolina native Benjamin Thomas, then in Alabama, read an advertisement calling for families to settle Stephen F. Austin’s colony in Texas. Between himself as head of family, his wife Mary Ann “Polly” (Dickinson), eleven children and seven slaves, he qualified for more than 3,000 acres. The family reached Natchitoches, Louisiana in Feb. 1822 and stayed there until July waiting for Austin to escort them to their new home. However, Austin never came, so the family continued their journey along El Camino Real and founded the Thomas Settlement in San Augustine County. Other early settlers included the Davis, Teel, Horn, Price, King, Brooks, Fitzgerald, Polk, Bate and Mathews families. A mercantile store, blacksmith, gristmill and sawmill supported the community. The Thomas children served in many capacities in early county and Texas history, including the military, ministry, law enforcement, and commerce.

The Thomas Cemetery comprises two acres in the James W. Moss survey, near where the Thomas plantation home stood. Benjamin Thomas died in 1834 and Mary died in 1840. Their graves and many others are believed to be marked by native fieldstones. The oldest dated grave is for Sarah Moore Fitzgerald (1795-1840). The Thomas Cemetery is the final resting place of many citizens instrumental in the development of the Republic and State of Texas, including veterans of the War of 1812 through Vietnam, and fifteen born in the area before the Republic of Texas era. In 1946, trustees established a caretaking trust from which the cemetery is managed today. The cemetery is the only remaining physical evidence of the once-thriving Thomas Settlement. Many descendants live nearby, with some families represented by seven generations of burials in one of the oldest community burial grounds in San Augustine County

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.

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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.