Round Rock, Texas, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Hopewell Colored Cemetery in Round Rock, Texas, stands as a historic burial ground for African Americans, reflecting the region’s rich heritage. Established in the late 19th century, it honors the contributions of the Black community and faces preservation challenges. Local efforts are underway to restore this vital site, ensuring that the legacy of those laid to rest is honored for generations to come.
Round Rock, Texas – The Hopewell Colored Cemetery, a historic burial ground for African Americans, persists as a vital symbol of the region’s rich heritage despite facing numerous challenges. Located on Sam Bass Road, just west of Interstate 35, this cemetery stands as a testament to the experiences and contributions of African Americans in Round Rock since its establishment.
Originally founded in the late 19th century, the cemetery first recorded a burial in 1880. It was created by Black families during the Reconstruction era, serving as a dignified resting place for veterans, educators, and pioneers from the nearby Hopewell neighborhood and the Rosenwald-funded Hopewell Colored School, which opened its doors in 1921. By 2002, approximately 311 graves had been documented, illustrating the sustained use and significance of this cemetery throughout the mid-20th century.
The individuals interred at Hopewell reflect diverse histories, including descendants of families who settled in Round Rock after the Civil War. Their contributions during a time of segregation—marked by separate schools and churches—are commemorated through the graves, making the cemetery an essential aspect of local African American history. It is critical to note that the Hopewell Colored Cemetery should not be confused with the Slave Grave Cemetery, which is also located within the boundaries of the Historic Round Rock Cemetery.
In contrast to the Old Round Rock Cemetery, which contains the burial sites of early settlers like the notorious outlaw Sam Bass, Hopewell Cemetery represents the complex history of racial divisions in the area, including a designated slave burial section dating back to the 1800s. Despite its importance, the cemetery has endured challenges, including the weathering of original headstones, resulting in numerous unmarked graves.
In the early 2000s, attention focused on the cemetery’s deteriorating condition, with many grave markers in disrepair. Similar to other historic Black cemeteries in Texas, Hopewell faces issues such as declining church congregations and a lack of funding, contributing to the neglect of these important sites. While the Williamson County Historical Commission Cemetery Committee recognizes the need for restoration, there have been no organized clean-up efforts specifically directed at Hopewell Cemetery.
The City of Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department actively maintains the cemetery grounds to ensure accessibility for descendants and continued homage to those interred within. The recorded burials from 2002, which included individuals ranging from infants to centenarians, reflect the generational community life celebrated at Hopewell, underscoring its role in preserving the legacy of African Americans in the region.
Currently, the cemetery stands as a testament to the resilience of Round Rock’s African American community. Descendants engage in ongoing stewardship efforts, including clearing brush, repairing fences, and restoring forgotten markers, to safeguard the site for future generations. These initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring that Hopewell Cemetery remains an integral part of Round Rock’s multicultural history, fostering remembrance and honoring the legacy of those laid to rest.
Background and Context
The creation of Hopewell Colored Cemetery was a vital response by the Black community during the Reconstruction period, reflecting the challenges they faced in accessing burial sites. The cemetery symbolizes both the struggles against segregation and the determination of the families who laid down roots in the area. As a significant historical marker, it continues to represent the African American contributions to Round Rock and serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity and remembrance.
Related Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Overall, the Hopewell Colored Cemetery faces considerable challenges due to historical neglect and environmental factors impacting the gravesites. The combined efforts of local descendants and various community organizations may be essential for the ongoing preservation of this significant historical site.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cemetery Name | Hopewell Colored Cemetery |
| Location | Sam Bass Road, west of Interstate 35, Round Rock, Texas |
| Established | Late 19th century, first burial recorded in 1880 |
| Significance | Historic African American burial ground |
| Notable Interments | Veterans, educators, community pioneers |
| Current Condition | Many markers in disrepair, unmarked graves |
| Date of Last Recorded Burials | 2002 |
| Preservation Efforts | Ongoing stewardship by descendants, city maintenance |
FAQ Section
What is the Hopewell Colored Cemetery?
The Hopewell Colored Cemetery is a historic African American burial ground located in Round Rock, Texas, established in the late 19th century.
When was the cemetery established?
The cemetery was established during the late 19th century, with the first recorded burial taking place in 1880.
Who is buried in the Hopewell Colored Cemetery?
The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans, educators, and community pioneers, reflecting the contributions of African Americans in the region.
What challenges does the cemetery face?
The cemetery faces challenges such as deteriorating headstones, unmarked graves, and issues related to neglect and funding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Black Cemetery New Jersey History
- Wikipedia: African American cemeteries
- The Mercury: African American Cemetery in Berks County
- Google Search: African American cemeteries
- KTAL News: Lost Graves in Shreveport Cemetery
- Google Scholar: African American cemeteries
- Smithsonian Magazine: New Jersey’s Black History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African American cemeteries
- North Jersey: African American Cemetery Database
- Google News: African American cemeteries
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
