Settlement of this area began with railroad development through north Brazoria County in 1882. First known as Mark Belt, the townsite was platted in 1894 and named Pearland for the abundance of pear orchards nearby. An advertising campaign promoting favorable farm conditions brought many settlers to the area in the 1890s. Although storm and freeze damage to homes and crops discouraged some in the early years, many remained and established permanent homes. A community graveyard began with the burial of pioneer Echolean C. Ackerly, who died August 11, 1894. Four years later, her burial plot and the surrounding land were officially dedicated as a cemetery. Six Civil War veterans are interred there. The cemetery contains many types of burials, from the early practice of scraping earth over graves to later cement paving, gravel cover, and bricking, and its gravestones range from simple stone markers to tombstones with elaborately carved decorations. It remained the primary community burial ground until 1936 and continues to recall Pearland's early history.