Merrilltown Cemetery
THIS BURIAL GROUND HAS SERVED THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE THE EARLY 1850s. MOST OF THOSE INTERRED HERE LIVED IN THE MERRILLTOWN COMMUNITY, WHICH CAPTAIN NELSON MERRELL (d. 1879) ESTABLISHED WHEN HE SETTLED HERE IN 1837. HE OPERATED THE POST OFFICE AND A STORE IN THE COMMUNITY. CAPTAIN MERRELL DEEDED THIS PROPERTY TO TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT #9 IN 1856 FOR USE AS A BURIAL GROUND; HE ALSO DEEDED LAND FOR A CHURCH AND SCHOOL. MERRELL SERVED AS TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER (1852 – 1859) AND ASSISTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS AVENUE; HE IS ALSO RECOGNIZED AS A TEXAS RANGER FOR HIS WORK IN LEADING A GROUP OF RANGERS IN PROTECTING AUSTIN FROM ATTACKS BY NATIVE AMERICANS.
THE OLDEST MARKED GRAVE IN MERRILLTOWN CEMETERY IS OF JULIA MERRELL (d. 1852), THE YOUNG DAUGHTER OF NELSON AND RACHEL MERRELL (d. 1862). ANOTHER NOTED BURIAL HERE IS OF LEMUEL SUMMERWELL WOODWARD (1813-1891), ANOTHER TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER (1860-1864). OTHERS INTERRED INCLUDE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND VETERANS OF MILITARY CONFLICTS DATING TO THE CIVIL WAR. CEMETERY FEATURES INCLUDE CURBING, VERTICAL STONES, OBELISKS, A WOODMAN OF THE WORLD GRAVE MARKER AND INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS (I.O.O.F.) GRAVE MARKERS. MERRILLTOWN RESIDENTS MAINTAINED THE GROUNDS UNTIL 1982, WHEN THE ROUND ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT WAS NAMED THE CEMETERY’S TRUSTEE. IN 1996, THE CALVARY WORSHIP CENTER ASSUMED THIS CHARITABLE TRUST FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND TODAY CONTINUES TO CARE FOR THE BURIAL GROUND. ALTHOUGH THIS AREA WAS ANNEXED INTO AUSTIN, MERRILLTOWN CEMETERY PERSISTS AS A REMINDER OF THE MERRILLTOWN COMMUNITY, AND SERVES AS A RECORD OF THIS AREA’S EARLY PIONEERS.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2000
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.