This cemetery existed as early as 1846, when three graves were placed here. In 1847 Pleasant Gray, Huntsville's founder, deeded a 1,600-square foot plot at this site, and the original tract was greatly enlarged by other donations from local citizens. Numerous graves bear the death date 1867, when a yellow-fever epidemic swept the county. Among the many famous persons buried here are General Sam Houston, Henderson King Yoakum, author of the first comprehensive history of Texas, state congressmen, and pioneer families.