2/5/2019

Details - Eli Jackson Cemetery - Atlas Number 5507013730 - Atlas: Texas Historical Commission

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Details for Eli Jackson Cemetery
Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5507013730

Data
Marker Number

13730

Atlas Number

5507013730

Marker Title

Eli Jackson Cemetery

Index Entry

Jackson, Eli, Cemetery

Address

US 281

City

Pharr

County

Hidalgo

UTM Zone

14

UTM Easting

581617

UTM Northing

2886135

Subject Codes

graveyards; African American topics

Marker Year

2005

Designations
Marker Location US 281, south side, just east of the intersection with S. Veterans Blvd. (I Road)
Marker Size

HTC Medallion and 24" x 16" interpretive plaque

Marker Text

In 1857, Nathaniel Jackson came from Alabama and established a ranch in this area. A former slave owner, Jackson, who was
white, came with his wife Matilda Hicks, who was black, their children and his freed slaves. On his 5,500-acre ranch, Jackson
raised livestock and grew vegetables, cotton and sugarcane. He also established a chapel that served family and friends. He was
known for his generosity and hospitality, and many, including runaway slaves, came to the ranch in need of lodging and other
resources. Upon Jackson’s death in 1865, his heirs divided the property. The share to his son Eli included this site, the family
cemetery. Eli and his wife, Elizabeth Kerr, and their children continued the family tradition of hospitality. Eli served a county
official, as did his son Nathaniel “Polo” Jackson. Polo’s daughter Adela operated the ranch and cared for the cemetery until her
death in 1992. Today, the Eli Jackson Cemetery represents the early area ranching communities. The burial ground is a tie to the
Jackson family, and to their friends and neighbors from the past who share this as a final resting place. Historic Texas Cemetery
- 2005

ATLAS_NUM=5507013730

Location Map

https://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/Details/5507013730/print

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 2/5/2019

Details - Eli Jackson Cemetery - Atlas Number 5507013730 - Atlas: Texas Historical Commission

(//thc.state.tx.us)

https://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/Details/5507013730/print

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