Old City Cemetery
La Grange, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Used for burials by 1840, this site was deeded by J. S. Lester to trustees who conveyed it to La Grange after incorporation of the city on July 3, 1854. Fourteen townswomen on April 17, 1873, formed what was probably the first such organization in Texas when they organized the Ladies' Cemetery Association of La Grange. Mrs. L. W. Moore was the first president. Since that time, this association has maintained and administered city cemetery. Annual decoration day, started in 1874, honors those resting here including many of the pioneers who fought for Texas freedom.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In use for burials by 1840, this ground was deeded to trustees and then to La Grange after the city incorporated in 1854. On April 17, 1873, fourteen townswomen formed the Ladies' Cemetery Association of La Grange — probably the first such organization in Texas — with Mrs. L. W. Moore as its first president, and their association has cared for the cemetery ever since. An annual decoration day begun in 1874 still honors those buried here, among them pioneers who fought for Texas freedom.
Why it matters
The cemetery marks an early instance of Texas women organizing for civic stewardship, a form of public leadership open to them long before the vote.
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Related people
- · L. W. Moore
- · J. S. Lester
Themes & tags
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