Hawley Cemetery

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Now, not every story needs a cast of thousands or a battle scene to earn its place in the Texas record. Some stories are quieter than that, and they cut just as deep.

Out here in Matagorda County, there is a piece of ground called Hawley Cemetery. It was established in 1854. That's the whole of what the marker gives us, and friend, sometimes that's enough.

Think about what 1854 means in this part of Texas. Think about the families who chose this ground, who marked it, who kept coming back to it. Someone named Hawley, or someone who knew a Hawley, decided this was the place.

The land held that name, and the name held. It was designated a Historic Texas Cemetery in 2011, which means the state looked at this ground and said, yes, this matters, this counts, don't let it go. Hawley Cemetery, Matagorda County, established 1854.

Still here. Still keeping its quiet.

What the marker says

Established 1854 Historic Texas cemetery - 2011