Old Cemetery on the Hill

This cemetery is believed to have been used for generations by Indian tribes and Mexican settlers who lived in this area previous to Anglo colonization. Following the establishment of San Patricio de Hibernia in 1830 by empresarios John McMullen and James McGloin, the colonists continued to use the old cemetery on the hill. According to local oral tradition, early graves in the cemetery were marked by wooden crosses and stones bearing Spanish and English inscriptions. Among those interred here are Lt. Marcelino Garcia, who as killed at the battle of Lipantitlan in 1835. Also buried here are soldiers who died in the battle of San Patricio on February 27, 1836; James McGloin, whose grave was never marked; victims of diseases such as scarlet fever; men killed fighting duels; and many early settlers and their descendants. After a new cemetery was consecrated at San Patricio by father Antoine Maury in 1872, the old cemetery on the hill was used infrequently. The old cemetery was neglected for many years until restoration efforts were begun in the 1960's. Some tombstones were destroyed or lost over the years, but the historic graveyard is now maintained. (1990)

Old Cemetery on the Hill is a historical marker in San Patricio, San Patricio County, dedicated in 1990. It is one of 35 historical markers documented in San Patricio County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 59 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 27.9534, -97.7727 near San Patricio. The nearest cataloged historic site is Battle of San Patricio (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Courthouses of San Patricio County, San Patricio County, and San Patricio de Hibernia.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5409003703. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.