La Piedad Cemetery
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This burial ground, which predates McAllen, likely began as a small ranch cemetery in the 1800s. The earliest known burial here, in 1895, is of Gertrudis Cavazos. Most of the property was deeded by the Arnold family; other portions were acquired from the City of McAllen. Those interred here include veterans of military conflicts dating to World War I and veterans of foreign armies. The cemetery features religious iconography, Masonic grave markers and Woodmen of the World markers. The burial ground is cared for by the Asociacion del Cementario La Piedad, which incorporated in 1930, but organized earlier. Today, La Piedad Cemetery continues to serve the residents of McAllen. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Older than the city of McAllen that grew up around it, this burial ground likely began as a small ranch cemetery in the 1800s, with its earliest known interment — Gertrudis Cavazos — in 1895. Much of the land came from the Arnold family, with other parcels acquired from the city. Its graves hold veterans of conflicts reaching back to World War I, some who served in foreign armies, amid religious iconography, Masonic emblems and Woodmen of the World markers, tended since 1930 by a dedicated association.
Why it matters
It preserves the ranching-era and immigrant roots of a modern Rio Grande Valley city, honoring a border community whose service crossed national armies.
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