Gulf Prairie Texas & Gulf Prairie church and cemetery. (original) (raw)

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)

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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