Bethlehem Cemetery
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Located on land granted to Josiah Lester by the Mexican government prior to Texas independence, this cemetery began in the 1850s after subsequent land-owner Erwin Brown set aside land for a school and church. The site also served as a community burial ground, and the earliest documented grave is that of Susan J. Burdett, who died in 1854 at age 39. Also located here are a number of children's graves, attesting to the often harsh conditions of frontier life. The cemetery remains as a visible reminder of Washington County's pioneer heritage.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On land once granted to Josiah Lester by the Mexican government, this Washington County cemetery began in the 1850s after landowner Erwin Brown set aside ground for a school, church, and community burials. The earliest documented grave is that of Susan J. Burdett, who died in 1854. A number of children's graves here bear witness to the harsh conditions of frontier life.
Why it matters
Bethlehem Cemetery preserves the pioneer heritage of one of Texas's oldest settled regions, and its many small graves testify to the everyday dangers ordinary settlers faced.
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Related people
- · Josiah Lester
- · Erwin Brown
Themes & tags
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