Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Bayview Cemetery
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
1. Old Bayview Cemetery Marker
The oldest federal military cemetery in Texas, Old Bayview was laid out by U.S. Army engineers while Brig. Gen. Zachary Taylor was encamped in Corpus Christi on the eve of the Mexican War. On Sept. 13, 1845, the steamer "Dayton", used to transfer men from St. Joseph's Island to Corpus Christi, burst a boiler near McGloin's Bluff (Old Ingleside), killing seven soldiers. Taylor obtained a burial site from H.L. Kinney, founder of Corpus Christi. Col. Hitchcock, who served Taylor, wrote:
"On September 14, a military funeral took place at the burial ground which I selected. It is on the brow of the hill northwest of camp, and commands a view of the Nueces and Corpus Christi bays. It is a beautiful spot."After Taylor's army left Corpus Christi in 1846, the cemetery became the community burial ground. Here are graves of pioneer settlers, and of veterans of War of 1812, Texas War for Independence, Mexican War, Indian campaigns, Civil War, and later conflicts. Markers bear the names of men of the 9th U.S. Cavalry, 1st U.S. Infantry, 38th U.S. Infantry, U.S. Mounted Rifles, and 1st Texas Cavalry.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 6305.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites
this page online
Location. 27° 48.029′ N, 97° 23.953′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is at the intersection of Padre Street and Ramirez Street, on the right when traveling north on Padre Street. Marker set inside cemetery near gate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Explosion of the Steamship Dayton (a few steps from this marker); James Downing (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas S. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); George Owens (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthew Nolan (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Bayview Mesquite (within shouting distance of this marker); William DeRyee (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eli Todd Merriman (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Photographed By James Hulse, September 1, 2021
2. The Old Bayview Cemetery Marker is the marker on the left of the two markers
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
3. U.S. Veterans of the Army of Occupation (1845-1846), (Mexican-American War)
3rd Infantry
Camp, David R. · Eisenberger, John · Forrest, Elza B. · Forrey, William · Hearty, Ardel · Henerman, Henry · Herbert, Reuben · Higgins, Daniel · Hughs, Peter · Kennedy, Thomas · Martin, John · Miller, David · Staton, Elijah W.
4th Infantry
Bullock, Archibald · Fowler, Daniel H. · Galloway, Robert · Kaisen, Loudwig · Lewars, John · McLowlen, John · Mills, William W. · Monghan, John · Murphy, Robert · Richardson, John F. B. · Sanders, Michael · Stewart, Robert · Van Allmen, Gutlieb
5th Infantry
Ford, John · Goodhand, James · Jeffries, William · McCall, Edward · Merrill, Henry · Messersmith, Henry · Wade, William W.
7th Infantry
Dempsey, Jeremiah · Fraser, William · Hoffman, William · Lugenguhl, John
8th Infantry
Graham, William · Handy, James O. · Humphries, Alfred · Murphy, Patrick · Pugh, John M. · Wilson, Joseph
2nd Artillery
Callahan, Lawrence · Cashman, James · Coe, Robert · Hogan, Hugh · Riddle, James
3rd Artillery
Byars, Samuel · Druves, Jacob · Gettner, George
4th Artillery
Butcher, Joseph · Miller, John F.
2nd Dragoons
Allen, William T. · Clark, John · Cook, Augustus · Edgar, James T. · Foy, Patrick · Garey, William · Hellan, Francis · Kelly, Edward · Kelly, Joseph · Marcellis, John F. · Reifstack, Andrew · Warner, Ulysses W. · Young, Camile
Unknown units
Chambers · Engenshpiehl · West
...and additional veterans known but to GOD.
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
4. Reverse of the U.S. Army of Occupation (Mexican War) Memorial
Infantry · Artillery · Dragoons
For additional information on these men visit the Corpus Christi Public Library
Sponsored by Descendants of Mexican War Veterans
William J. Bozic, Jr.
Rosa G. Gonzales
Dedicated September 19, 2004
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
5. Cemetery view
Old Bayview Mesquite marker is in front of the Mexican War Memorial.
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
6. A view of the Cemetery
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
7. Old Bayview Cemetery sign
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, June 12, 2010
8. Old Bayview Mesquite
The first military funeral in Texas took place on this site in 1845. This venerable tree remains as a monument and a living witness to the troubled times that typified that era in Texas history.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,554 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on June 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 2. submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
