Edinburg in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Restlawn Cemetery
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
1. Restlawn Cemetery Marker
This property is believed to be the only graveyard in Hidalgo County dedicated for African American burials. Prior to its founding in 1928, blacks were allowed burial space only in private ranch cemeteries. In the 1920s, Edinburg had a growing black community of domestic and agricultural workers and entrepreneurs. A.Y. Baker, county sheriff and director of the Hillcrest Cemetery Association, designated a half-acre in the undeveloped northwest corner of Hillcrest for a "Black Cemetery," which was renamed Restlawn in 1993. The oldest grave, unmarked, is for Leonard Bass (d. 1928). World War II veteran Jacob White (d. 1945), for whom local American Legion Post 884 was named, is also among those interred here.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13989.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 26° 18.552′ N, 98° 8.678′ W. Marker is in Edinburg, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is at the intersection of North Jasman Road
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Edinburg Vietnam Casualties Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Brushwood Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Richard Alvis Marsh (approx. 0.3 miles away); Everitt Building (approx. 1.1 miles away); Old Hidalgo County Jail (approx. 1.2 miles away); Hidalgo County (approx. 1.2 miles away); El Sal del Rey, C.S.A. (approx. 1.2 miles away); Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edinburg.
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
2. Restlawn Cemetery Marker
Marker at the entrance to the cemetery.
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
3. Restlawn Cemetery Marker
Looking north along Jasman Rd.
Photographed by Dave W, January 24, 2026
4. Restlawn Cemetery Marker
Incorrectly printed directional historical marker guide sign at the marker. Should indicate the marker number (13898) with marker just behind the utility pole at center of frame.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
