Marker Inscription
Cedar Branch began in the 1860s as a settlement of freedmen. John Smith (1809-1890) and Anna Jane Pouncy Smith (1811-1874) deeded a parcel of their cotton plantation to each of their former slaves. The freedmen organized a church in 1862 and built a sanctuary in 1864. Levi Leonard chose the name Cedar Branch for the community. He and Alonzo Campbell selected a cemetery site. By 1888 a school was established, and classes were held in the church building. In 1952 it became part of the Grapeland School District. The church continues to serve as the focus of this community.
About this site
Cedar Branch is a historical marker in Houston County, Texas, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 185 historical markers documented in Houston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 361 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.4387, -95.6944. The nearest cataloged historic site is Cedar Branch Community School (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include New Cedar Branch, Old Cedar Branch, and Major John Smith Graves.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5225009802. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
