Historic Cemetery

Salem Cemetery

Hempstead, Texas 77445
Location: Salem Cem--Recorded WALL03—Parsons. [See also White Cem.]HbTx: “Salem is on Farm Road 1736 four miles northwest of Hempstead … may have been established before the Civil War;qv a few … grave markers … predate the war. … In 1990 a few scattered dwellings …and the cemetery remain at the site.” Direct of Cems in Waller Co, 1977/1992: “located in BBB & C Sur, ab 91, about 2.5 miles W of FM 1736, intersection of Jones Rd & Henson Rd, w/ 17.04 acres, conveyed to Salem Academy in 1853 by T. B. White. Two sections, on either side of road. Oldest marker about 1850s. … cared for by families of Salem community, mtg & picnic lunch. Approx. 300 burials, plus some unmarked graves, earliest marked 1850s. Index.” Websites for Waller Co Hist & TexHist Cem: “Photos as White Cem.…Salem and Old Salem are now the same cemetery, partial inventory, photos, info from HbTx. Near FM1736, N of Hempstead, USGS map*, map, map, TxDoT.” GNIS on Howth map. THC Atlas, marker. THC site visit MB 5/15/04: Salem, Tx. FM 1735, 0.1 mile S on Jones Rd. Set back from road, about 200 ft., also near Precinct Bldg. Rural residential, pasture and woodland in area. Formal cemetery, fenced. Diversity of formal and informal markers over time. Cedar and Oak marker trees. Benches, windchimes, churbs, gravel, flags, photo enamels, sundial. Also vaults, slabs, obelisks, a few sculptures and a few fieldstones with formal markers. US veterans, affiliations incl. WoW. Approx 5.3 acres. GPS 30.10.08.65083N –96.05.32.43482W. Quad 3096-114.Low risk of endangerment: fenced, maintained, still in use, eveidence of frequent visitation, visible from roadways, rural residential area.

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Waller County, located in southeast Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade.

In the 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began arriving in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. Waller County was officially established in 1873 and named after Edwin Waller, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county's first courthouse was built in Hempstead, which remains its county seat to this day.

Like many parts of Texas, Waller County played a significant role in the Civil War. The area's economy was heavily dependent on cotton production, and many residents owned slaves. The county sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Confederacy, and after the war, the region experienced a period of Reconstruction and healing.

Throughout the 20th century, Waller County gradually transformed from an agricultural-based economy to one that embraced industry and education. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and highways, enabled the county to expand its reach and attract businesses. The establishment of Prairie View A&M University, an historically black college, in 1876 further contributed to the county's growth.

Today, Waller County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and education. It remains a vibrant community that values its history while striving for progress and prosperity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Waller County, Texas.

  • 1837: Waller County is established as part of the Republic of Texas
  • 1838: The town of Hempstead is founded as the county seat
  • 1850s: The county's economy thrives on cotton production and slave labor
  • 1861-1865: Waller County residents actively participate in the Civil War
  • 1873: The Houston and Texas Central Railroad reaches Waller County, spurring growth
  • 1885: Prairie View A&M University, the first state-funded college for African Americans, is established in Waller County
  • 1899: The Santa Fe Railroad is completed in Waller County, further boosting commerce
  • 20th century: Waller County experiences ups and downs in agriculture, oil, and gas industries
  • 1998: Tragic death of Sandra Bland in a Waller County jail attracts national attention and sparks discussions on racial injustice and police misconduct