The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recently designated the Staples African-American Freedmen Colony Association Cemetery as a Historic Texas Cemetery, formerly called the Staples Colored Cemetery. The distinction means the cemetery had been legally recorded through the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program, an important step in ensuring its preservation.
The designation is reserved for cemeteries that are at least 50 years old and documented through Historic Texas Cemetery designation process to record their historic association and significance, “Cemeteries are important keys in the history of Texas. Designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery helps increase public awareness of these important cultural resources,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Knowledge and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of a historic cemetery.”
A dedication ceremony to commemorate this historic designation will be held at the cemetery on June 14 at 10 a.m. at the cemetery site, located at 11011 FM621 in Staples.
Left, Marilyn Johson and her brother, Merriweather, have been instrumental in the process of securing this designation, along with many other volunteers and community members who worked for years to preserve the cemetery, many of whom will be recognized in a dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 14. Below, formerly called the Staples Colored Cemetery, this designation is an important step toward preservation of the cemetery site. Photos by Celeste Cook
