Seven Star Cemetery

Temple incorporated in 1882, the same year the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) Railway built a line through this area. This land was most likely owned by the rail company, but few records exist about the burial ground's early history. Many stories surround the cemetery, though, including that it began as a slave cemetery in the 1860s or as a public burial ground for African American residents. Over the years, the site has been known by many names, including MKT, Temple League and Seven Star Cemetery. The latter name, used today, has particular significance because of the traditions related to the Underground Railroad. It is believed that seven stars, including the North Star, helped guide slaves to their freedom before the close of the Civil War. Although fewer than 100 graves at the site retain their original markers, Seven Star Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 500 individuals whose stories are part of Temple's rich history. Those buried here include former slaves as well as veterans of the Spanish-American and first World wars. The local chapter of the Juneteenth Association maintains the site. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005

Seven Star Cemetery is a historical marker in Temple, Bell County, dedicated in 2005. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.1108, -97.3275 near Temple. The nearest cataloged historic site is Raleigh Richardson White, Sr. (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Nora Lee Mayhew Wendland, Yee Pat Ling, and Hillcrest Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013449. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.