Restlawn Cemetery
Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This property is believed to be the only graveyard in Hidalgo County dedicated for African American burials. Prior to its founding in 1928, blacks were allowed burial space only in private ranch cemeteries. In the 1920s, Edinburg had a growing black community of domestic and agricultural workers and entrepreneurs. A.Y. Baker, county sheriff and director of the Hillcrest Cemetery Association, designated a half-acre in the undeveloped northwest corner of Hillcrest for a "Black Cemetery," which was renamed Restlawn in 1993. The oldest grave, unmarked, is for Leonard Bass (d. 1928). World War II veteran Jacob White (d. 1945), for whom local American Legion Post 884 was named, is also among those interred here. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1928, Restlawn is believed to be the only cemetery in Hidalgo County set aside for African American burials, established for a growing Black community of workers and entrepreneurs who had previously been allowed graves only in private ranch cemeteries. County sheriff A.Y. Baker designated a half-acre in a corner of Hillcrest Cemetery for a segregated "Black Cemetery," renamed Restlawn in 1993. Among those buried here is World War II veteran Jacob White, namesake of a local American Legion post.
Why it matters
The cemetery is a stark record of Jim Crow segregation reaching even to the grave, and of the African American community that endured and built in South Texas.
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Related people
- · A.Y. Baker
- · Leonard Bass
- · Jacob White
Themes & tags
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