Historical Marker

Indian Cemetery and Villages

Historical marker location:
CR 1416, Quitman, Texas
( 5 mi. NE of Quitman on SH 37 to CR 1416, near east end of Lake Quitman Dam)
Marker installed: 1968
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Found during road-building operations and reported Nov. 1966. In Jan. 1967, eight graves were studied, but the bone fragments unearthed were so old that they crumbled upon exposure to air.

Pieces of pottery were also found in the cemetery and in six villages in the vicinity.

Grindstones, a jar with red paint, water jugs, and skinning stones suggest that the area may have been inhabited about 1200 to 1500 A.D., and possibly at an earlier time, by the Caddo Indians, an agricultural people with a highly advanced culture. Other cemeteries exist nearby. (1968)

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.

Native American
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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.
Texas random facts
Wood County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, who utilized the fertile land for agriculture and hunting.

In the early 1800s, the region attracted settlers from the United States who were drawn to the lush forests and abundant resources. The first permanent European-American settlement was established in 1846, and it was named Quitman after John A. Quitman, a prominent politician of that time.

During the Civil War, Wood County played a significant role in supporting the Confederacy. Many residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area became a center for military recruitment and training. After the war, the county suffered economically, but with the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century, the economy began to recover.

Wood County's economy primarily relied on agriculture, with the growth of cotton, corn, and timber industries. The establishment of sawmills and the development of the timber industry brought prosperity to the area. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas reserves further fueled the county's economic development.

Today, Wood County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial center in Texas. The county's history is evident in its charming small towns, historic sites, and natural beauty. The strong sense of community and appreciation for the region's heritage are still evident today, making Wood County a vibrant and inviting place to visit or live.

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

  • 1850: Wood County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1852: The first courthouse in Wood County is built in Quitman.
  • 1860: The population of Wood County reaches 4,867.
  • 1875: The railroad reaches Wood County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1895: The county seat is moved from Quitman to Mineola.
  • 1920: The population of Wood County peaks at 19,109.
  • 1930: The Great Depression hits Wood County, causing economic hardship.
  • 1958: Lake Holbrook is completed, providing a recreational area for residents.
  • 1970: Wood County's population decreases to 12,230.
  • 1983: Holly Lake Ranch, a gated residential community, is established in Wood County.
  • 2000: The population of Wood County surpasses 37,000.
  • 2019: Wood County experiences steady growth and continues to be a thriving community.