Temple in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Seven Star Cemetery
Photographed By James Hulse, September 28, 2022
1. Seven Star Cemetery Marker
Temple incorporated in 1882, the same year the Missouri Kansas and Texas (MKT) Railway built a line through the area. This land was most likely owned by the rail company but few records exist about the burial ground's early history. Many stories surround the cemetery, though, including that it began as a slave cemetery in the 1860s or as a public burial ground for African American residents.Over the years, the site has been known by many names, including MKT, Temple League and Seven Star Cemetery. The latter name, used today, has particular significance because of the traditions related to the underground railroad. It is believed that seven stars including the north star, helped guide slaves to their freedom before the close of the Civil War.
Although fewer than 100 graves at the site retain their original markers, Seven Star Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 500 individuals whose stories are part of Temple's rich history. Those buried here include former slaves as well as veterans of the Spanish-American and first World Wars. The local chapter of the Juneteenth Association maintains the site.
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Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13449.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 31° 6.729′ N, 97° 19.639′ W. Marker is in Temple, Texas, in Bell County. Marker is at the intersection of North 14th Street and East Shell Avenue, on the left when traveling south on North 14th Street. The marker is located at the northwest corner of the Seven Star Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Temple TX 76501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Raleigh Richardson White, Sr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yee Pat Ling (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cyrus Maxwell Campbell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Raleigh R. White, Jr., M.D. (approx. ¼ mile away); George Valter Brindley, Sr., M.D. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Nora Lee Mayhew Wendland (approx. 0.4 miles away); Arthur Carroll Scott, Sr., M.D. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Claudia Potter, M.D. (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Temple.
Also see . . . Underground Railroad. Wikipedia
The(Submitted on October 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)Underground Railroad was a network of clandestine routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early- to mid-19th century. It was used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape into free states and Canada. The network was assisted by abolitionists and others sympathetic to the cause of the escapees. The enslaved who risked escape and those who aided them are also collectively referred to as the "Underground Railroad". Various other routes led to Mexico, where slavery had been abolished, and to islands in the Caribbean that were not part of the slave trade. An earlier escape route running south toward Florida, then a Spanish possession (except 1763–1783), existed from the late 17th century until approximately 1790. However, the network now generally known as the Underground Railroad began in the late 18th century. It ran north and grew steadily until the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. One estimate suggests that by 1850, approximately 100,000 enslaved people had escaped to freedom via the network.Photographed By James Hulse, September 28, 20222. Seven Star Cemetery Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, September 28, 2022
3. The view of the Seven Star Cemetery Marker from across the street
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 176 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
