This burial ground represents generations of early African American history in Conroe. Locals remember the site referred to as the “Community Cemetery” or “Conroe Cemetery.” The cemetery lay overgrown for decades before restoration and identification efforts were undertaken. Official records have not been located, so burial information is limited to 47 headstones identified within the boundaries. These markers indicate the cemetery was active from 1892-1966, with the most active use of the cemetery occurring between 1900-1920. However, surveys have suggested the presence of over 150 unmarked graves. The headstones represent the sometimes-harsh life experienced by area residents. The earliest headstones are that of nine-day-old baby Armstrong (May 1892), seven-day-old Lucy Green (July 1897) and, less than four years later, thirteen-day-old “Little Luceil Drake.” According to census records, the cemetery served a community of day laborers, cooks, laundresses, farmers, railroad workers, and religious workers, among others. Several of the community’s leaders and educators are interred here, such as Mittie J. Campbell (1875-1933), James Charles Pitts, Sr. (1876-1966), and Jacob Francis Cozier (1830-1903). Landowner graves include Laura McNeese Henderson (1856-1941) and George Pruitt (1870-1914). A single military grave belongs to Sergeant Luther James Dorsey (1850-1939), Company E, 10th calvary, a regiment of the more popularly known “Buffalo Soldiers.” His grave is perhaps the first Buffalo Soldier’s grave found in Montgomery County. Four identified graves bear the symbols of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor: George Pruitt (d. 1914), Eliza Evans (d. 1912), Carrie Johnson (d. 1913), Margarette Stewart (d. 1913). The cemetery is a solemn reminder of early Conroe. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2023