Cedar Grove Cemetery

Historical marker location:
W. Main St., Trinity, Texas
( W. Main St. (FM 230), north side between Smith and Cemetery streets)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 18" x 28"

The first documented burial in the cemetery, that of Phebe A. Martin, took place in 1875, three years after the town of Trinity was laid out on the George W. Wilson survey. Nearly 100 graves, many of them from an 1897-98 diphtheria epidemic, date to the 19th century. In 1914, a cemetery association was chartered to manage and maintain the public burial ground. Among those buried here are founders of Trinity, professional and business leaders, and local citizens who served in the United States armed forces. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

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.

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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.
Trinity County, Texas, was established on August 11, 1850, and named after the Trinity River that flows through the region. The native Karankawa, Caddo, and Atakapa tribes inhabited the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, Stephen F. Austin's colonists began to settle in the Trinity River Valley, establishing communities such as Trinity, Pennington, and Groveton, which served as trading posts for fur trappers and pioneers.

During the Civil War, Trinity County, like other parts of Texas, was predominantly pro-Confederate. The county contributed soldiers to the Confederate Army and faced several Union invasions. After the war, Trinity County faced economic challenges due to the loss of slavery and the devastation of crops and infrastructure. However, the discovery of lumber and the expansion of railroads in the late 19th century revitalized the local economy.

The timber industry became a major economic force in Trinity County during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Several sawmills were built, attracting workers and leading to the emergence of towns like Apple Springs and Pennington. Logging became a vital industry, with timber being transported via the railroads to markets across Texas and beyond. However, unsustainable logging practices eventually led to a decline in the industry, and today, forestry remains an important aspect of the county's economy.

In recent years, Trinity County has embraced its natural resources, including its pristine rivers, lakes, and forests, to develop tourism and recreational opportunities. Outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, boating, and hiking attract visitors from across the state. The county's rich history, marked by its Native American heritage, the Civil War era, and the lumber industry, is preserved in museums and historic sites, providing a glimpse into Trinity County's past.

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

  • Founded in 1846 as part of Houston County
  • 1848 - Trinity County was officially established as a separate county
  • 1850 - Population of Trinity County was 1,027
  • 1853 - The county seat was established in Sumpter
  • 1873 - The county seat was moved to Pennington
  • 1890 - The county seat was moved to Groveton
  • 1890s - Timber industry became a major economic driver
  • 1930s - Depression era brought economic challenges to the county
  • 1944 - Construction of the Trinity River Authority Dam began
  • 1952 - Trinity Dam was completed, forming Lake Livingston
  • Present - Trinity County continues to be known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and timber industry