St. Ann's Cemetery
Historical marker location:In 1845, Valentine Hoch settled in this area, and the community that developed nearby soon became known as Hochheim Prairie (now Hochheim). A number of Eastern European emigrants would settle here in the following years. Among them were Jacob and Anna (Laake) Poth, who sponsored other European settlers and rented them land in this area. Many newcomers were of the Catholic faith and in need of a place of worship, so in 1906 the Poths deeded land to the Diocese of San Antonio for the establishment of a church (St. Ann's) and cemetery.
The Poths had already set aside a small plot of land at this site for a family burial ground, with the earliest interment dating to 1891. Known as Poth Cemetery, it remains a part of St. Ann's Cemetery today. The oldest marked grave in the St. Ann's portion is that of early settler Vilhelm Onhaizer, in 1907.
Initially, the cemetery included distinct sections (no longer set apart), including an infant burial area and a section for Mexican American parishioners. Among those buried here are farmers, members of fraternal organizations and veterans of military conflicts dating to the Civil War.
The burial ground contains curbed plots for individuals and families, decorative interior fencing, early vertical stones, an obelisk, a mausoleum and a large crucifix. Today, St. Ann's Cemetery continues to serve Hochheim and surrounding communities, chronicling the lives of pioneer area settlers and later residents.
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.
Texas was the product of men who knew how to use their brains as well as their fists.
In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.
DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.
Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.
DeWitt County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of DeWitt County, Texas.
- 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
- 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
- 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
- 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
- 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
- 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
- 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
- 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
- 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.