Liberty in Liberty County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Catholic Cemetery
Photographed By James Hulse, April 13, 2022
1. Catholic Cemetery Marker
In 1853, twenty-two years after Francisco Madero founded the Villa de la Santissima Trinidad de la Libertad, now the town of Liberty, the Rev. Petrus Marie LaCour came to this area. A native of France, he served as the first pastor of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Acting on behalf of the Galveston Diocese, he purchased this site in 1853 from Pickney L. and Therese A. Palmer as a burial ground for Catholic settlers of the county.A few gravesites were located here when the land was designated a Catholic cemetery. Many of the early graves are those of pioneer French Creole settlers, members of related families that migrated to the region from Louisiana in the mid-nineteenth century. Early residents interred here include LaCours, Gillards, Baillios, DeBlancs, Desrayouxs, Dugats, Fortiers, Benoits, Cannons, Joffrions and Rachals. Their influence as early business, civic and professional leaders had a dramatic impact on Liberty and on the area's social and religious customs. Descendants of the pioneers still serve as active members of the community.
The oldest Catholic cemetery in Liberty County, this site now
this page online
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9643.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 30° 3.773′ N, 94° 48.093′ W. Marker is in Liberty, Texas, in Liberty County. Marker is at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Bowie Street, on the left when traveling west on Grand Avenue. The marker is located at the entrance to the cemetery on the north side. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1550 Grand Avenue, Liberty TX 77575, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cornelius de Vore (about 400 feet away); Milton Ashley Hardin (about 400 feet away); Franklin Hardin (about 400 feet away); Site of Liberty's Ursuline Convent (approx. 0.3 miles away); Plaza Iglesia Parroquial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Seven Pines (approx. 0.3 miles away); Plaza Constitucional (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberty.
Photographed By James Hulse, April 13, 2022
2. The entrance to the Catholic Cemetery with the Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, April 13, 2022
3. The view of the Catholic Cemetery and Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
