Lamar Texas and Lamar Cemetery. (original) (raw)

Population: 636 (2010) 1,600 (2000, 1990)
Today the former town of Lamar is remembered by its cemetery (across from the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department building). Although technically the "town" is more populated than ever, many of the houses are weekend residences and the town lacks a traditional center.

History in a Pecan Shell

Founded in 1839, Lamar was a rival to the then thriving Aransas City, Texas which was just across Copano Bay at Lookout Point. Aransas City had the customhouse which guaranteed prosperity. Lamar became the first coastal town in (what was then) Refugio County.

The President of the Republic was petitioned by a group of settlers to move the customhouse from Aransas City. Their forceful argument that the new town was twice the population of Aransas City convinced the President - who just happened to share the same name of the town. The change was made and the worse fears of Aransas Citizens became a reality. Aransas City virtually disappeared.

Lamar's star rose and its prosperity surpassed that of its former rival - that is until the town was destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War. Only a few shellcrete foundations remained.

Lamar found itself in Aransas County when that county was established in 1871.

"Alligator Crossing"
Photo courtesy Ken Rudine, May 2013

Photographer's Note:
Across Copano Bay (to the north) from Fulton is Lamar (peninsula). St Charles Bay is to its east. The BIG TREE is here off 12th street. The picture shown is looking at St. Charles Bay through this tunnel of Live Oak Trees. The BIG TREE is to the left at the end. This is aligator country so you need to be on the look out. I made 2 shots of one special gate. One shows a sign and the other shows a guardian angel. Grain feeders are frequent here to feed the deer. In the winter the Whooping Crane eat the grain too. A Goose Island Ranger told me in January the Whooping Cranes will fly from Aransas Wildlife Refuge over the BIG TREE to the feeders and water tanks on 8th St. and even 4th St. - Ken Rudine, May 2013

Lamar Cemetery

The cemetery, said to be the oldest in the territory, remains relatively unchanged and is one of the more picturesque coastal cemeteries in the state. It has been designated a historical landmark.

A list of all interments has been made available through the Lamar Cemetery Association. Authored by Mary Lou Brannon the information is available at the Aransas County Public Library and at the cemetery itself.

Historical Marker:

The Lamar Cemetery

This burial ground originally served pioneer settlers of the Lamar community. Founded by James W. Byrne (d. 1865), a native of Ireland and a veteran of the Texas Revolution, it was named for his friend Mirabeau B. Lamar, former president of the Republic of Texas. The earliest grave is that of Patrick O'Connor (1822-54), a bookkeeper for Byrne's business operations in New Orleans. The town of Lamar ceased to exist by 1915 and the cemetery was neglected until the 1940s when it was restored through efforts by the family of John Henry Kroeger, Jr. (d. 1944). (1981)
Incise in base: Donated by the Lamar Woman's Club

	The tombstone of Cattleman Patrick O'Conner Photo Courtesy Ken Rudine

	The grave of Lydia Ann Hull Wells and James Babbage Wells, Sr., parents of Jim Wells, Jr., lawyer for the King Ranch Interests and namesake of Jim Wells County Photo Courtesy Ken Rudine

	Lamar Cemetery gate and tower Photo Courtesy Ken Rudine

	A view showing the unique bell tower Photo Courtesy Ken Rudine

	The 1936 Centennial Marker Photo Courtesy Ken Rudine

Centennial Marker Text

Site of the Town of Lamar

Named for Mirabeau B. Lamar 1798-1859, President of the Republic of Texas 1838-1841. Established in 1838; made a port of entry in 1839. Sacked by Union troops Feb. 11, 1864. Survived until 1914 but never flourished.

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Lamar, Texas Forum

Subject: Jim Wells, Lamar County
You incorrectly noted that James B. Wells, whose gravestone is pictured on the Lamar, TX page, was the namesake of Jim Wells County, TX and an attorney who represented the King Ranch. It was, in fact, James B. Wells, Jr., who represented the King Ranch and after whom the county was named. The gravestones on the website are his parents', Lydia Ann Hull Wells and James Babbage Wells, Sr. (my great-great grandparents). Thanks, Brian P. Heard, Bee County, February 21, 2008

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