In 1853, four founding families arrived in this area. By 1856, two of those fathers were resting in Farmland # 37, the current old part of our cemetery.

In 1858, several men who lived in Pittsburg were eager to create Blanco County for financial ventures. It was at that time that the settlement across the river from Pittsburg became Blanco. Eighty years later, in 1938, Blanco was incorporated and took in Pittsburg and the surrounding land.

In 1963, several thoughtful men developed bylaws for the Blanco Cemetery, fully expecting those who would follow in their footsteps to have an annual meeting of the association, and to volunteer their services for the care and protection of our community cemetery.

In 2006, the Blanco Cemetery became a Texas Historic Cemetery, one of only 13 in the whole state of Texas. This would never have happened had there not been two diligent researchers, Dorothy Howe Dillon and Laura Mabrito. After the paperwork was prepared, the most important signature in the County was necessary, that of George Byars, President of the Blanco County Historical Society. In September of 2006, a special ceremony was held to recognize our certification, but we did not receive the Medallion until this year, 2008. It has been with the persistent help and advice of TD Smylie and Charles Willgren that this great event has come to fruition.

This is a “once in a lifetime” venture. It will never happen again because the Blanco Historic Cemetery will “forever” be a Texas Historic Cemetery.

Thanks to all of the Friends of the Blanco Historic Cemetery who came out last Thursday and posted 300 flags representing the Texas Rangers, Confederates, World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans; Charlene & Raymond Singleton, Rudy Hernandez, Pat Vallone, Laura Mabrito, Travis and Renee, Martha & Wayne Gosnell, Mr. and Mrs. Avant, Ron Houston, and Mr. and Mrs. Huguelet from the American Legion.

This has been a momentous event in my life, and I thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something so very special.