Hebrew Rest Cemetery

This burial ground was established in 1875 to serve the pioneer jewish settlers of Corpus Christi, 55 years before the formal organization of a Jewish congregation in the area. Earlier burials had been in the nearest Jewish cemetery, located at Gonzales (140 miles north). This land was deeded by Captain Richard King, founder of the noted King Ranch. David Hirsch and Emmanuel Morris, who acted as trustees for the Hebrew Benevolent Association, organized the cemetery. Both are buried here. The earliest marked grave is that of Helena Henry, who died in 1878, the infant daughter of Paul and Frederika Henry. Also buried at this site are all the members of the Richman Family, victims of a destructive 1919 hurricane. Prominent early residents of Corpus Christi interred here include grocer Julius Henry, who served as city alderman and postmaster; business and civic leaders Charles and Sarah H. Weil; civil war veteran and merchant M. Lichtenstein; and Simon Gugenheim, a successful area business and philanthropist. In 1961 Temple Beth El assumed control of the cemetery. Still in use, it reflects the proud heritage of the area's Jewish community.

Hebrew Rest Cemetery is a historical marker in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, dedicated in 1981. It is one of 105 historical markers documented in Nueces County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 147 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 27.7878, -97.4081 near Corpus Christi. The nearest cataloged historic site is Kelsey Memorial Methodist Church (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include The American G.I. Forum, Antonio E. Garcia, and Felix von Blucher.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5355002424. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.