Glendale Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Trinity, Texas
( 6 mi. NE of Trinity on SH 94; 1 mi. N on Glendale Cemetery Road)
Marker installed: 2000
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Trinity County was created in 1850. Settlers came to this area by 1854. By 1886, a town of about 100 had grown up near the large antebellum Tullos Plantation. In 1887 the Glendale Post Office was established. The earliest known graves in the cemetery are those of four-year-old Ida J. Arnold, who died in 1884, and infant Albert Munson, who was born and died that same year. The earliest adult grave on this site is that of H. W. Threadgill. By 1899, the year of Threadgill's death, Glendale was a boomtown of 1,200 residents due to the success of the J. I. Cameron Lumber Company and the Glendale Orchard Company. Local industry declined after 1900, and by 1914 the population had dwindled to 75. Area residents continued to care for the cemetery, which remains a chronicle of Trinity County history. (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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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