Texas Historical Marker #16687
Hockley County Cemetery. The Texas Legislature created Hockley County in 1876 but the county did not formally organize until 1921; the small settlement of Hockley City (now Levelland) was named the county seat in that year. The arrival of the Santa Fe railroad in 1925 caused tremendous population growth in the county, from 137 in 1920 to 9,298 in 1930. The railroad also encouraged the expansion of agricultural activities in the county, which required additional laborers to work the land. The growing economy brought the migration of many people, including minorities, to the area in a time when segregation was widely practiced. Hockley County commissioners court set aside two acres of land in fall 1927 for the establishment of a segregated cemetery for the burial of indigent and minority residents; it was known as the Hockley County Cemetery or north side cemetery. County death records indicate that the first burial at the site was that of Jerry McHenry, an African American who was interred in April 1930. In 1975, the burial of Nora Robertson was the last one recorded at the site. The cemetery contains fourteen marked graves and over 100 unmarked burials. Veterans of both World Wars are buried here. Although the cemetery remains open for interment, it has seen little use since the 1960s, when the city of Levelland Cemetery was desegregated. Today, Hockley County Cemetery serves as a reminder of an important group of people who worked hard to build Hockley County. #16687
?, Levelland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #14065
Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church In 1921, thirteen area residents, under the leadership of a Rev. Curry, organized a congregation, originally known as First Missionary Baptist Church. This was the first church in the newly established Hockley City (now Levelland), and many early pioneers and leaders were members. Members completed a church building in 1926 at this location. The church's first ordained minister was B.E. Gunn, who also served as the town's first postmaster. Since its founding, members have been involved in missions. The church's rich history has also included activities such as maintaining a food pantry, preparing community meals and packing charity boxes for orphans. (2008) #14065
1009 5th St., Levelland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #02504
Hockley County. Formed from Young and Bexar territories; created August 21, 1876; organized February 19, 1921. Named in honor of George W. Hockley, commander of the artillery at San Jacinto. Secretary of War of the Republic of Texas. Died in 1851. Levelland called Hockley City until 1912. County Seat. #2504
?, Levelland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00888
City of Levelland. Surveyed and platted in 1912 as "Hockley City" by cereal magnate C. W. Post. Although only a barren townsite, place won race for county seat in 1921. The first meeting of county officers was held at future courthouse site-- in a Cadillac automobile. Soon city square boasted a temporary courthouse (16 by 32 feet), a well, and a community black-eyed pea patch. When a post office opened, in 1922, city was renamed Levelland, for its topography. Prosperity arrived with the coming of the railroad in 1925 and discovery of oil in the county in 1937. 1972 #888
?, Levelland, TX, United States