The Texas State Cemetery

Background

The Texas State Cemetery is located in Austin, Texas, approximately 1 mile east of the capitol. Originally established as the burial place for soldiers and founders of the Republic of Texas, today it represents all aspects of Texas’ history and culture. While many prominent Texans are buried here, many others are memorialized with cenotaphs.

Visiting

• The cemetery is open to the public from 8-5 daily, and the visitors center and gallery are open Monday – Friday. Guided tours are available for groups of 10+. The guides are excellent and cater to students’ interests in selecting which sites to view.

• While a significant amount can be seen in one hour, it is easy to spend 2-3 hours here and not see everything.

Eligibility for Burial • Members of the state legislature

• State officials nominated by the governor, confirmed by the Senate, and served 12+ years in the appointment

• Elective state officials• A person specified by a

governor’s proclamation• A person specified by a

resolution of the legislature• Significant contribution to the

history or culture of Texas

Curriculum Connections

• Texas History• Government• Civics• Black History Month• Civil War• Literature• Veteran’s Day

Added Information(featured on the back of many tombstones)

State Highway 165 – The shortest in Texas

Willie “El Diablo”

Wells

Barbara Jordan

• First African-American woman elected to the Texas Senate• United States Congress• Gained fame during Watergate hearings• Professor, The University of Texas

Ann Richards•Governor of Texas•First woman governor elected in her own right, not as a surrogate for her husband•Appointed more women and minorities than any predecessor.

Tom Landry• Former coach, Dallas Cowboys• 29 years with team• 20 straight winning seasons• 2 Super Bowl Titles• Member, Professional Football Hall of Fame

John Connally

• Governor, State of Texas• Secretary of the Navy• Secretary of the Treasury• Injured during the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas in November, 1963

Susanna Dickinson

• Survivor, Battle of the Alamo• Delivered news of fall of the Alamo to Sam Houston

Stephen F. Austin

• “The father of Texas”• Brought 300 families to settle Texas in the 1820s

“Ma” & “Pa” Ferguson

Fred Gipson

• Author, Old Yeller and Savage Sam• Credited with legitimizing Southwestern literature• Recipient of numerous literary awards

James Frank Dobie

• “Storyteller of the Southwest”• Recipient, Medal of Freedom• Author, numerous books, including Tales of Old Time Texas

World War II Memorial

Purple Heart Memorial

Gold Star Mothers of Texas Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

Medal of Honor

Monument

September 11th

Memorial

Sources

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau Historic Landmark Commission (n.d.). Historic walking tours: Texas State Cemetery [Brochure].

Holley, J. (2006, September 14). “Former Texas Governor Ann Richards dies,” The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/14/AR2006091400591.html

Texas State Cemetery Committee (n.d.). Texas State Cemetery [Brochure.