Oakland Memorial Park
Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After Terrell was established as a railroad town in 1873, its citizens saw the need for a community burial ground. In 1878 John R. Terrell sold 7 acres of land for use as a cemetery, and the first burials were those of Peter Meinenger and Dr. G. W. Ridgell. In 1925 the Oakland Cemetery Association was founded to provide perpetual care for the gravesites. The name Oakland Memorial Park was adopted in 1931. Among those buried here are professional artist Frank Reaugh and 20 members of the British Royal Air Force who were killed while in training at Terrell during World War II. (1983) SUPPLEMENTAL PLAQUE: Correction James R. Terrell sold the land for the cemetery.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the railroad made Terrell a town in 1873, residents soon needed a burial ground, and in 1878 land was sold for a community cemetery. A perpetual-care association formed in 1925, and the name Oakland Memorial Park was adopted in 1931. Among those resting here are the noted artist Frank Reaugh and twenty British Royal Air Force cadets killed while training near Terrell during World War II.
Why it matters
The RAF graves recall a little-known chapter of World War II, when British airmen trained on the Texas plains, binding a small American town to the global war effort.
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Related people
- · Frank Reaugh
- · James R. Terrell
Related events
- · World War II
Themes & tags
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