Near Wills Point in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
New Hope Cemetery
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 29, 2026
1. New Hope Cemetery Marker
To encourage settlement of what was later New Hope in Van Zandt County, William James (1804-1875) set aside two acres for a school and church and one acre for a cemetery after 1871. James, a veteran of the Mexican War, is believed to have been the first person buried here. The oldest grave marker belongs to Frances E. Whitfield (1857-1876). Another grave is believed to be that of a woman who died while traveling with her family on the Dallas-Shreveport Road in 1880. Four Confederate soldiers are interred here: D. G. Baker, W. N. Canant, J. T. Ellis, and A. M. Frears, who surrendered with General Robert E. Lee.
Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12262.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites.
Location. 32° 40.691′ N, 95° 55.889′ W. Marker is near Wills Point, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is at the intersection of County Road 3420 and County Road 3415, on the right when traveling south on County Road 3420. 1 mile east of Wills Point on SH 64; 4.2 miles east on CR 3420. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Slaughter School (approx. 2.1 miles away); First Baptist Church of Edgewood (approx. 2.9 miles away); William H. Humphries Home (approx. 2.9 miles away); Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 2.9 miles away); Bennett Joseph Carter Home (approx. 3 miles away); A. L. Spradlin Log Cabin (approx. 3 miles away); Old First National Bank Building (approx. 3 miles away); Edgewood Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 29, 2026
2. New Hope Cemetery and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
