Historic Cemetery

St. John's Church Cemetery

San Augustine, Texas 75972
Location: St. John’s Cem. West of 1277, southwest of Spears CreekUSGSTHC site visit MB 10-20-04: Spears Creek area. N of SH 103, about 0.5 mile on FM 1277, turn to W on CR _____ about 2 miles to church and sharp bend in road. Site about 600 ft. W of church site. Access to cemetery at cattle gate on sandy lane CR, though in wooded area across road from back of church. No trespassing sign but gate is not locked. From gate walk grassy road about 300 ft. to site. Site adjacent to woodlands and pasture. Fenced formal site, recently expanded to S. Older area of cemetery has several very large Cedar and Juniper marker trees, some Live Oak. Rolling landscape, burials in areas. Formal markers, diversity over time with a few obelisks, carnes, cubing, slabs, and some locally caste. A few homemade markers and some fieldstones. Abundant floral grave materials. US veterans. St. John’s Church Cemetery. Approx 0.60 acre. SA-C126. Spears Creek, Tx area. GPS 31.23.21.35161N –94.18.26.40310W. USGS 3194-134. © RIP Survey, Texas Historical Commission.Low risk of endangerment, somewhat remote but fenced, maintained, expanded, still in use, on map, associated church community.

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
Texas is a great place to be rich and a terrible place to be poor.
Richard Parker in The Nation
San Augustine County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Caddo peoples. It wasn't until the 18th century that European settlers began to arrive, with the Spanish establishing a mission and presidio in the region.

In the early 19th century, San Augustine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico. However, tensions soon arose as American settlers began to outnumber the Mexican population. This led to the Texas Revolution in 1836, and San Augustine County played an important role in the struggle for Texan independence. The town of San Augustine served as the headquarters of the Texas Revolutionary Army during the Battle of Nacogdoches.

After Texas gained its independence, San Augustine County became a part of the Republic of Texas. The area saw rapid growth and development during this time, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The county's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The timber industry also played a significant role, as the county was rich in valuable timber resources.

In the 20th century, San Augustine County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the county has worked hard to preserve its rich history and promote tourism. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Mission Dolores State Historic Site, which features the remains of an 18th-century Spanish mission, and the Augus Theater, a historic movie theater that has been restored to its former glory. San Augustine County remains a place where the past intertwines with the present, showcasing the resilience and rich heritage of East Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of San Augustine County, Texas.

  • 1717: San Augustine County is established as the first Spanish municipality in Texas.
  • 1824: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846: The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States, and San Augustine County becomes part of the state of Texas.
  • 1896: The town of San Augustine is incorporated.
  • 1939: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department establishes the Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine County.
  • 1980: The county courthouse in San Augustine is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1991: San Augustine County celebrates its 275th anniversary.