La Bahia Cemetery

Brenham, Texas 77833
Location: La Bahia Cemetery—TxGenWeb: “300832N 963805 about 3 miles ESE of Carmine.” --Recorded WASH01—Parsons. Cem Recs of Washington Co (1974): “[same] well-kept cem approx 3 miles ESE of Carmin, S of F.A.S. Rd 237. Approx 400 burials, earliest about 1870s. Index.” Tombstone, La Bahia-TxDoT map. TexasEscapes, website: “photos La Bahia is a former village that today consists of a large white building, a cemetery (on Boundary School Road just off Hwy 237) and scattered residences. “ THC Atlas: “One of the first overland routes used by European explorers of Texas, La Bahia Road was originally an east-west Indian trail in southeastern Texas and Louisiana. Earlier it may have been an animal trail. Although not as famous, or long, as El Camino Real (the San Antonio Road), La Bahia is probably older and it figured quite importantly in the movement of explorers, soldiers, traders, and settlers across Texas. Possibly the first European to set foot on the road was La Salle, who explored for France in this area during 1685-87. Almost certainly it was traveled by the Spaniard Alonso De Leon, who searched for the French intruders in 1689. From 1812 on, the trail and its westernmost town, La Bahia (now Goliad), served agents of both war and peace. The Gutierrez-Magee Expedition, part of Mexico's revolt against Spain, used the road in 1812-13. In 1821 the first Anglo-American colonists in Texas, the vanguard of the "Old 300", came down La Bahia into this area. During the 1836 Texas Revolution, the road found use by troops of the Texan army; Col. James Fannin and his 400 men were massacred near the road--in Goliad. In the 20th century, La Bahia's route helped surveyors map modern Texas highways. La Bahia Rd Marker LOCATION At the intersection of SH 36 and FM 390, 7 mi. N of Brenham.” Cemetery on Wickel Lane, off Hwy 237, S of Hwy 290, near West Fork Mill Creek. Topo Zone map in file.] THC site visit MB 708/03, Greenvine, Tx area. On Wickel Lane, off Hwy 237, S of Hwy 290, near West Fork Mill Creek. At SH 237 intersection called Boundary School Rd., becoming Wickel Lane further S. THC marker for cemetery. Large formal site, newer and older areas. Central older area has considerable diversity with very large Live Oak marker trees, large and small formal monuments, benches, curbing, obelisks. Larger site and newer sections formal markers, more uniformity. Fenced on three sides, open with formal masonry entryways. Name on arch.Approx 4.41 acres. GPS 30.08.30.97513N –96.38.05.52671WQuad 3096-213Low risk of endangerment, still in use, maintained, THC marker, on map, fenced, adjacent to road.

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.

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The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Washington County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that spans over 150 years. The county was established in 1836, the same year that Texas gained its independence from Mexico. It was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The county's founding coincided with the establishment of the Republic of Texas, and it played a significant role in the state's early development.

In its early years, Washington County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton being the main crop. Many German immigrants settled in the area and brought with them their farming expertise and traditions. These settlers played a crucial role in shaping the county's agricultural landscape and introducing a strong cultural influence that is still evident today.

During the Civil War, Washington County saw its fair share of conflict and upheaval. The county was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy while others opposed secession. The region experienced military occupation and witnessed battles and skirmishes, leaving a lasting impact on its residents.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Washington County transitioned from an agrarian economy to a more diversified one. With the arrival of the railroad, the county experienced a boost in commerce and industry. Businesses and services expanded, and the county's population grew as a result. Today, Washington County is known for its thriving agricultural industry, historical sites, and picturesque landscapes, attracting visitors from around the country.

Overall, Washington County, Texas has a storied past that reflects the broader history of the state. From its early origins as an agricultural community to its role in the Civil War and subsequent development, the county has played a significant part in shaping the growth and identity of Texas.

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

  • 1834 - Washington County is organized as the first county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1836 - The Battle of San Jacinto takes place, securing Texas independence
  • 1838 - Washington-on-the-Brazos becomes the first capital of the Republic of Texas
  • 1851 - Brenham is established as the county seat
  • 1861 - Texas secedes from the Union and joins the Confederate States of America
  • 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railroad reaches Brenham, boosting the local economy
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the agricultural industry in Washington County
  • 1950 - Blue Bell Creameries is founded in Brenham
  • 1972 - Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is established
  • 1990s - Washington County experiences population growth and development