Marker Inscription
Joseph F. Smith, Nephew of Texas' provisional governor Henry Smith, founded the town of St. Mary's in 1857. Ten acres were set aside for this burial ground, in which the earliest marked grave is dated 1860. The cemetery served the thriving community until an 1886 storm destroyed business and homes, causing residents to move away. In 1909, with the return of land development to the area, the cemetery was again used. The burial site of war veterans and pioneer area settlers, the cemetery serves as a reminder of the important early coastal town of St. Mary's. (1983)
About this site
Old St. Mary's Cemetery is a historical marker in Bayside, Refugio County, dedicated in 1983. It is one of 18 historical markers documented in Refugio County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 32 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 28.1181, -97.2057 near Bayside. The nearest cataloged historic site is Saint Mary's (cemetery), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Wood, John Howland, House, Copano, Site of the Town of, and Oakwood.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5391003803. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
