Bethlehem Cemetery

Located on land granted to Josiah Lester by the Mexican government prior to Texas independence, this cemetery began in the 1850s after subsequent land-owner Erwin Brown set aside land for a school and church. The site also served as a community burial ground, and the earliest documented grave is that of Susan J. Burdett, who died in 1854 at age 39. Also located here are a number of children's graves, attesting to the often harsh conditions of frontier life. The cemetery remains as a visible reminder of Washington County's pioneer heritage.

Bethlehem Cemetery is a historical marker in Brenham, Washington County, dedicated in 1992. It is one of 156 historical markers documented in Washington County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 368 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.1242, -96.5191 near Brenham. The nearest cataloged historic site is Gaston-Hughes-Steeger (cemetery), about 1.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Steiner Grave/Beckermann Rd, Union Church, and Greenvine Schools.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5477008302. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.