This cemetery is believed to have been used for generations by Indian tribes and Mexican settlers who lived in this area before Anglo colonization. After the establishment of San Patricio de Hibernia in 1830 by empresarios John McMullen and James McGloin, colonists continued to use it. According to local oral tradition, early graves were marked by wooden crosses and stones bearing Spanish and English inscriptions. Those interred here include Lt. Marcelino Garcia, who was killed at the Battle of Lipantitlan in 1835; 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, it was used infrequently. It was neglected for many years until restoration efforts began in the 1960's, and although some tombstones were destroyed or lost over the years, the historic graveyard is now maintained.