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The Church and
Cemetery at Gulf Prairie
Photo
Courtesy Julie McConnell, July 2002 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally spelled
Gulph Prairie, this was a settlement that predated the Texas
Revolution. By the 1830s the community was settled by the Bryan, Perry,
and Austin families - a fact attested to by the tombstones in the
cemetery.
A post office operated at Gulf Prairie from 1848 to 1866 and the school
reportedly had forty-one students in 1906. The cemetery and church
are about all that remains of the community today.
Three miles east of the Gulf Prairie church and cemetery is Gulf Park,
a residential community established in 1927. |
Gulf Prairie
Cemetery
Photo
Courtesy Julie McConnell, July 2002 |
Gulf Prairie
Cemetery
The Gulf Prairie
Cemetery was once a part of Peach Point Plantation. It was in use
as early as 1829. The cemetery once held the remains of Stephen
F. Austin, before they were moved to the State
Cemetery in Austin. The diary of Mary Austin Holley describes
Peach Point Plantation is some detail as well as other coastal towns
like Matagorda.
Holley was a cousin of Stephen F. Austin and wrote the first accurate
published observations of Texas. Stephen Austin had suffered from
malaria for many months and was on his way to Peach Point when he
died in Columbia after contracting pneumonia. His voluminus papers
and correspondence was stored at Peach Point. His death occurred Dec.
27, 1836. |
A particularly
handsome headstone
Photo
Courtesy Julie McConnell, July 2002
More Texas
Cemeteries |
Gulf Prairie
historical marker
Photo
Courtesy Julie McConnell, July 2002 |
Historical Marker:
off SH 36 on Gulf Prairie Rd., Jones Creek
Gulf Prairie
Pioneer cemetery.
Originally part of Peach Point Plantation.
Used by descendants of James Franklin Perry and wife, Emily Austin
Bryan Perry, Stephen
F. Austin's sister, and by the community since 1829.
In 1836, Austin, the "Father of Texas," was buried here.
His remains were reinterred in the state
cemetery in the city of Austin
in 1910.
(1967) |
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Photographer's
Note:
Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek:
It's quite tranquil and pretty, but if you visit during the summer
make sure you bring some Off! The Church, appears to be quite old
and is definitely still in service.
Brazoria County
is loaded with pre-20th century history, but very little tangible
evidence is left. It cemeteries are the exception; history still
seems to be very alive in them; not to mention that they are very
picturesque and photogenic. Thanks. - Julie McConnell, July 06,
2002
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| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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