Roselawn Cemetery
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1908, just one year after McAllen began to develop, a group of residents established this cemetery on land donated by the Hidalgo Canal Company. The oldest marked grave here dates to 1909. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce maintained the cemetery until 1924, when area residents formed the McAllen Cemetery association to care for the burial ground. Also known as McAllen Cemetery, this burial ground was named Valhalla until 1930, when the name changed to reflect roses planted as part of a beautification plan. Today, this historic cemetery has expanded to 22 acres and continues to serve as a reminder of McAllen’s pioneering men and women, and of the cultural and religious diversity of this city.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1908, just a year after McAllen's founding, residents established this cemetery on land donated by the Hidalgo Canal Company, with its oldest marked grave dating to 1909. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce cared for it until 1924, when a cemetery association took over. Originally called Valhalla, it was renamed Roselawn in 1930 after roses planted in a beautification effort, and it has since grown to 22 acres.
Why it matters
Roselawn is a resting place for McAllen's pioneering families and a quiet record of the cultural and religious diversity of the early Rio Grande Valley.
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Themes & tags
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