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Early RepublicCivil War

Providence Cemetery

Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

According to oral tradition, this cemetery has served residents of the Providence area since the 1830s. The earliest marked grave is that of Elizabeth Hughes, who died in 1841, but the presence of unmarked graves suggests that the burial ground was used earlier. There are more than 600 graves located here, including those of early Providence area farmers, slaves, and veterans of the Civil War and World Wars I and II. The historic burial ground is maintained by the Providence Cemetery Association. It remains an important cultural resource in this area.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Providence Cemetery has served this rural community since at least the 1830s, its oldest marked grave dating to 1841 though unmarked burials point to even earlier use. Among its more than 600 graves lie pioneer farmers, enslaved people, and veterans of the Civil War and both World Wars.

Why it matters

The burial ground gathers into one place the full sweep of a Texas community's history, from frontier settlement through slavery and the nation's wars.

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Related people

  • · Elizabeth Hughes

Themes & tags

Nearby & related markers

Providence Baptist Church

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Providence Baptist Church was organized in 1841 in the Republic of Texas, gathering Brazos-bottom planters and their households — including enslaved people — a few times a year until a pastor could be called. By 1875 it was among the most influential churches in the area, famed for its weeks-long brush-arbor revival meetings.

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