Near Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Magnolia Cemetery

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

1. Magnolia Cemetery Marker

Inscription. As is often the case with early African American cemeteries because of the status of Africans and African Americans in pioneer and plantation society, documentation of the Magnolia Cemetery's origin is scarce. A strong tradition of oral history provides what information is available. It is believed that the land for the Magnolia Cemetery was given by farmer E.P. Murray and that the oldest marked grave is that of former slave Isham Murray, who was born in 1805 and died in 1880. His wife Laura reportedly was buried with their white slaveowners. At least sixteen other African Americans born between 1813 and 1856, probably all former slaves, are interred here. Others buried here include nine veterans of World War I, as well as veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11659.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 31° 39.595′ N, 95° 44.281′ W. Marker is near Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of State Road 294 and County Road 2119, on the right when traveling east on State Road 294. The marker is located at the entrance to

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the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9288 W 294, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Henry Fields (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Old Magnolia (approx. 0.3 miles away); Green Bay A.M.E. Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Green Bay High School (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Woodhouse School (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Pinery Settlement (approx. 1.3 miles away); Westwood United Methodist Church (approx. 6.6 miles away); Fort Houston Cemetery (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

The Magnolia Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

2. The Magnolia Cemetery and Marker

The entrance to the Magnolia Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

3. The entrance to the Magnolia Cemetery and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.