Glenwood Cemetery

Historical marker location:
W 4th, Kenley St, Groveton, Texas
( SE end of cemetery is at intersection of W 4th and Kenley St.)
Marker installed: 2005
Marker size: HTC Medallion and 24" x 16" interpretive plaque

The Glenwood Cemetery has served the residents of Groveton for more than 100 years. The Trinity County Lumber Company established the town of Groveton by the spring of 1882. In the fall of that year, the town became the seat of government for Trinity County. Groveton grew swiftly, and residents soon needed a place for burials. The lumber company met this need in 1896 by deeding 10 acres for use as a cemetery. Virgin timber from the cemetery site was harvested and used in construction of the state capitol in Austin during the 1880s.

The first interment here dates to 1885, prior to the date of deed. Among those buried here are community leaders and veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War.

The Groveton Cemetery Association, later known as the Glenwood Cemetery Association, organized in 1896 to maintain the burial ground. Additionally, a non-profit corporation, a trust fund and individual contributions provide for the care of the site. The cemetery remains a vital link to Groveton’s past.

Historic Texas Cemetery – 2006

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 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