Santa Rita Cemetery
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The county was officially established in 1905 and named after Alexander Watkins Terrell, a prominent Texas jurist and statesman. The main town, Sanderson, developed as a result of the expansion of the railway in the region, which brought increased economic activity and population growth.
Terrell County's economy has traditionally been based on ranching and agriculture. Cattle ranching, in particular, has played a significant role in the county's history and remains an important industry today. The region's vast grasslands and favorable climate make it ideal for livestock production. Additionally, crops such as cotton, corn, and melons have been cultivated in the county.
While historically a rural and agricultural area, Terrell County has also experienced changes and challenges over the years. The county's population has remained relatively small, with periods of growth and decline. Today, it is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking in areas such as the rugged landscape of the Chinati Mountains and the nearby Big Bend National Park.
Terrell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Terrell County, Texas.
- 1905 - Terrell County is founded.
- 1907 - Dryden is established as the county seat.
- 1910 - Terrell County's population is recorded at 260.
- 1930s - The area experiences significant growth due to oil and gas exploration.
- 1944 - Construction of the world's largest stone masonry dam, the Pecos River High Bridge, is completed.
- 1960 - Terrell County's population reaches its peak at around 5,000.
- 1987 - The remote and isolated Devil's River State Natural Area is established.
- 2002 - Terrell County experiences a devastating wildfire that burns over 71,000 acres.