Historic Cemetery

Reynolds Bend Cemetery

Throckmorton, Texas 76483
Location: Located in Reynolds Bend, a restored area on the Matthews Ranch. Permission must be received from the family before interested individuals can visit the cemetery. The road to Reynolds Bend has been taken off the country road system so that the Matthews heirs can monitor traffic on that part of their ranch.

Graves: 54 (1880-2008)

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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Throckmorton County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally occupied by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita, who lived off the land and utilized the abundant natural resources.

European settlers began arriving in the 1850s, establishing small communities and ranches. The county was officially formed in 1858 and named after James W. Throckmorton, who was a former governor of Texas. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, especially cattle ranching, with large ranches like the 6666 Ranch becoming integral to the county's identity.

During the American Civil War, Throckmorton County was mostly sympathizers of the Confederacy. In the aftermath of the war, the area faced significant challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and the decline of the cattle industry. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought renewed prosperity and economic growth.

Today, Throckmorton County continues to be a rural community with an emphasis on agriculture, oil, and gas. Agriculture remains an important industry, with ranching and farming contributing to the local economy. The county is also a popular destination for hunting and outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its diverse wildlife and expansive natural landscapes. Throckmorton County's history is deeply intertwined with the westward expansion of Texas and its vibrant heritage is celebrated by its residents today.

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

  • 1858: Throckmorton County established
  • 1879: First post office opens in Throckmorton
  • 1881: First railroad, Wichita Valley Railway, reaches Throckmorton
  • 1886: Throckmorton County courthouse constructed
  • 1920s: Oil boom brings economic growth
  • 1930: Lake Throckmorton constructed for water supply
  • 1961: Interstate 20 built, enhancing transportation
  • 1990s: Decline in oil industry affects the economy