Pre-Civil War cemetery uncovered at Spring Creek Park

Photo courtesy Harris County Precinct 4

A cemetery site containing the remains of freed slaves and early Harris County settlers dating back to before the Civil War has been discovered at Spring Creek Park in Tomball.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle learned about the potential historical site and instructed parks personnel to protect the area, according to a news release. Cagle then commissioned Janet Wagner, chairwoman of the Harris County Historical Commission, for her expertise and participation in the project.

"We didn't know exactly what we had, but we wanted to preserve the dignity of this cemetery that had clearly been forgotten," Cagle said. "What has been discovered in archaeological and historical terms merits preservation and further study into the local history."

The Harris County Historical Commission unveiled a historical marker at the cemetery during a ceremony Feb. 26.

According to the release, the cemetery not only contains the remains of some of Texas' earliest freed slaves, but might also contain the remains of victims of the famous Confederate gunpowder mill explosion, which took place in 1863. Wagner is tasked with researching and determining who is buried in the 6.6-acre site.

Harris County Precinct 4 will continue active research on the cemetery and said it hopes to provide opportunities for student learning through educational partnerships.

"Precinct 4 parks are rich in recreational opportunities and they're also rich in history," Cagle said. "It's important for us to learn what we can about the people who lived here and helped make the area what it is today."

Spring Creek Park is at 15012 Brown Road, Tomball. For more information and a map of the park, visit www.hcp4.net/parks/springcreek/index.htm.