National Register Listing

State Cemetery of Texas

a.k.a. State Cemetery

901 Navasota St., Austin, TX
The State Cemetery, burial ground for the honored dead of Texas, was founded in 1851, when General Edward Burleson, hero of the Texas Revolution, was interred on the tract. In 1854, the State purchased the land, which had once belonged to Andrew Jackson Hamilton, Provisional Governor of Texas from 1865-1866. However, the tract was seldom used until the 1860s when some officers of the Confederate Army of Texas were buried there. Today, small white marble headstones mark the graves of about 1,583 soldiers and 515 graves of members of their families.

A large number of important historic figures are buried in the State Cemetery or are represented there in the form of funerary art which they executed to commemorate specific individuals. Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," is buried in the Cemetery as are Johanna Troutman (re-interred 1913), designer of the Flag of the Lone Star; W. A. A. "Big Foot" Wallace (buried ca. 1900), famous Texas Ranger; Ashbel Smith (buried 1886), instrumental in founding The University of Texas; and Governor Francis Lubbock (buried 1905). Work by famous artists includes pieces by Pompeo Coppini, a native of Italy whose work also stands on the grounds of the State Capitol, The University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University in Waco, and the Alamo in San Antonio. The most noteworthy art is the marble reclining figure of Albert Sidney Johnston, sculpted by Elisabet Ney who also executed busts of Garibaldi in Italy; Schopenhauer, Humboldt, Bismarck, Ludwig II, William I, and George V in Germany; and Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston in Texas, the last two works now standing in the United States Capitol.
Local significance of the site:
Art; Military; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

art military politics government gravesites
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.