Historical Marker

Land Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Jarrell, Texas
( from intersection of 5th St. & Ave. A in Jarrell, 5th Street 1/2 mile and turn left (west) on Avenue A. Go 1/4 mile to First Street (CR 307) and turn right (north). Go 1/2 mile to CR 305 and turn left (west). Go about 1 mile and turn left (south) at the street sign "Land Cemetery". Follow that lane south about 1/4 mile to the cemetery, on the left)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

THIS BURIAL GROUND ORIGINALLY SERVED THE CORN HILL COMMUNITY, AN EARLY WILLIAMSON COUNTY SETTLEMENT NAMED BY COUNTY JUDGE JOHN E. KING FOR THE FIELDS OF CORN SURROUNDING HIS HOME. BY THE 1880s, CORN HILL HAD A POST OFFICE, BUSINESSES, CHURCHES, FRATERNAL LODGES, COTTON GINS, MILLS, A NEWSPAPER AND A SCHOOL. LAND CEMETERY IS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY SETTLERS NICHOLAS (d. 1896) AND ELIZABETH ANN (GILES) LAND (d. 1911), WHO IN 1863 BURIED HIS OLDEST SON, JOHN, HERE, ESTABLISHING A FAMILY BURIAL GROUND; THEY SOON OPENED IT TO NEIGHBORING FAMILIES AS WELL. AT LEAST 25 INDIVIDUALS WERE INTERRED IN THE GRAVEYARD BEFORE 1886, WHEN THE SALADO VALLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION PURCHASED 4.1 ACRES FROM NICHOLAS AND ELIZABETH LAND FOR CEMETERY USE. OTHERS INVOLVED IN THE LAND TRANSACTION WERE R.K. AND MARY LOU SHAVER, J.B. AND BELL SHAVER, AND TRUSTEES G.B. BUCHANAN, W.P. ROUTON, AND J.W. ROBERTSON. IN 1909, THE BARTLETT WESTERN RAILWAY BYPASSED CORN HILL. THE COMMUNITY OF JARRELL WAS ORGANIZED ALONG THE RAIL LINE AND RESIDENTS SOON BEGAN TO ALSO USE THIS BURIAL GROUND.

CEMETERY FEATURES INCLUDE CURBING, OBELISKS, INTERIOR FENCING, VERTICAL STONES, GRAVE SLABS AND FALSE CRYPTS. THE INTERRED INCLUDE VETERANS OF FOREIGN CONFLICTS AND MEMBERS OF THE KNAUTH, LANGENEGGER, AND SCHWERTNER FAMILIES, GERMAN IMMIGRANTS WHO WERE AMONG THE AREA’S EARLY SETTLERS. THE 1997 F5 JARRELL TORNADO, WHICH RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF 27 INDIVIDUALS, DAMAGED GRAVESTONES IN THE CEMETERY; MANY WERE LATER REPAIRED. TODAY, THE SALADO VALLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION CONTINUES TO CARE FOR THIS BURIAL GROUND, WHICH SERVES AS A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EARLY RESIDENTS OF CORN HILL AND THE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE LIVED NEAR SALADO CREEK IN NORTHERN WILLIAMSON COUNTY

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.

gravesites
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Williamson County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. These tribes thrived on the abundant natural resources and utilized the land for hunting and gathering.

The region was first settled by European pioneers in the mid-19th century. The establishment of Fort Tumlinson in 1839 provided protection to settlers, and the population grew steadily with the arrival of more immigrants in search of new opportunities. In 1848, the county was officially organized and named after Robert McAlpin Williamson, a judge and soldier in the Republic of Texas.

During the Civil War, Williamson County faced significant challenges. Many residents joined the Confederate Army, and the county became a hotbed of conflict due to its location on the frontier between Union and Confederate territories. After the war, the area was able to rebuild and experienced a period of economic growth, driven by agriculture, cattle ranching, and the emergence of small towns and rural communities.

In the 20th century, Williamson County continued to develop and adapt to changing times. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought economic prosperity to the region, and the county experienced a boom in population and infrastructure. Today, Williamson County is a thriving part of the greater Austin metropolitan area, known for its strong economy, vibrant communities, and commitment to preserving its historical roots.

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

  • 1804 - The area that is now Williamson County is settled by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico.
  • 1838 - The Texas legislature establishes Williamson County, named after Robert McAlpin Williamson, a leader in the fight for Texas independence.
  • 1848 - The Mexican-American War ends and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, officially establishing the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico.
  • 1850 - The population of the county reaches 1,027.
  • 1876 - The Texas State Capitol building is completed in Austin, which becomes the seat of government for Williamson County.
  • 1881 - The International-Great Northern Railroad reaches Georgetown, bringing economic growth and development to the county.
  • 1907 - The county courthouse, located in Georgetown, is completed.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Williamson County, causing a decline in the local economy.
  • 1950s - The county experiences a period of growth and prosperity, with the population increasing significantly.
  • 1990s - Development and suburbanization accelerate in Williamson County, with the county becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States.