Southland Cemetery, Old

Founded in 1910 by Thomas H. Hall (1867 - 1965), this cemetery was the result of a need to have a burial ground closer to the community than those existing more than four miles distant. Four acres of land were dedicated for use as a cemetery, and Hall began to plot the original plan for the design of the graveyard, using lot markers made of bois d'arc wood. The oldest marked grave in the cemetery is that of Edward Z. Motley (1885 - 1910). Also buried that year was Thomas Hall's brother, George Byrd Hall (1878 - 1910). Two stones which reflect earlier death dates (Thomas E. Vernoy, 1879, and Fannie Millar Sadler and infant daughter, 1909) document reinterment here from other locations. In 1918 Emma Motley (1856 - 1946) donated funds for the erection of a stone and wrought iron arched entrance gate for the cemetery. Although a cemetery association had been formed about 1939, the cemetery was not deeded to the trustees of the Southland Cemetery Association until 1973 by the heirs of Thomas H. Hall. The Old Southland Cemetery stands as a reminder to Grand Prairie residents of their community's heritage. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Southland Cemetery, Old is a historical marker in Grand Prairie, Dallas County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 352 historical markers documented in Dallas County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 574 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7298, -97.0059 near Grand Prairie. The nearest cataloged historic site is Southland Memorial Park (cemetery), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Avion Village, Grand Prairie Airfield, and Copeland, H. V..

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5113006885. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.