Historic Cemetery

Camilla Cemetery

a.k.a. McGowen Cemetery, Milby Hill Cemetery, Hale Cemetery

Texas
Location: It is located in the Camilla Community overlooking Lake Livingston. Reached by paved highway, FM 3278 and a dirt road. To reach the Camilla Cemetery, take FM 3278, approximately 2-miles from Camilla going east toward the Lake Livingston Dam Site. There is a dirt road which leads up the hill to the cemetery.

Source: Local history notes; THC intern notes; Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; San Jacinto County, Texas Historical Comm. San Jacinto County, Texas, Cemetery Records, 1997; San Jacinto County, Texas Historical Comm. San Jacinto County, Texas, C

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
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
San Jacinto County, Texas, is located in the southeastern part of the state. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa, Akokisa, and Caddo peoples. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, with Stephen F. Austin's colony bringing the first wave of Anglo-Americans to the region.

The county was officially established in 1870, named after the Battle of San Jacinto, a turning point in the Texas Revolution. The battle took place in 1836, when Texan forces led by General Sam Houston defeated Mexican forces led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. This victory led to the independence of Texas from Mexico.

San Jacinto County experienced significant growth in the late 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad in the region. The Houston, East, and West Texas Railway reached the county in 1879, opening up opportunities for trade and commerce. The timber industry also played a crucial role in the county's development, with logging becoming a major economic driver.

In the 20th century, San Jacinto County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. However, the county persisted and continued to grow. Today, San Jacinto County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, with the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Livingston attracting visitors and residents alike. The county also maintains its historical importance, holding events and commemorations related to the Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Jacinto County, Texas.

  • 1832: The area that would become San Jacinto County is settled by a few families.
  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto takes place, a turning point in the Texas Revolution.
  • 1848: San Jacinto County is officially formed and organized as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches 648 residents.
  • 1870s: The timber industry begins to flourish in San Jacinto County.
  • 1872: The county's first newspaper, The San Jacinto Times, is established.
  • 1900: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 8,603.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression greatly affects the county's economy, leading to a decline in the timber industry.
  • 1940: The population of San Jacinto County decreases to 4,110.
  • 1960s: Multiple oil and gas wells are established in the county, bringing economic growth.
  • 1970: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 10,761.
  • 1990: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 16,672.
  • 2000: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 22,246.
  • 2010: The population of San Jacinto County reaches 26,384.