The Texas Historical Commission’s recently announced that Arlington Cemetery received a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation.

From the Texas Historical Commission’s newsletter
Grave Concerns in Texas (May 2026)

“The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.”
—Texas Historical Commission

Arlington Cemetery is now designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery, a major step in preservation efforts.

While the cemetery already has a Texas Historical Marker, the HTC designation is different, and in some ways, of even greater importance. With this, the cemetery’s protective status is elevated, creating a strong defense to ward off land encroachment and other outside dangers. Though larger cemeteries like this one are typically better protected, burial grounds are far more vulnerable than people realize. Under this new designation, Arlington Cemetery will be better documented through official deed records, updated mapping and surveying, and photographic documentation, further aiding in preservation efforts.

Arlington Cemetery includes several smaller cemeteries and additions within its boundaries; it is also adjacent to Parkdale Cemetery. The oldest documented burial in Arlington Cemetery is that of Mattie Luna Cooper (1874–1875), daughter of the pioneer Cooper family. Mattie’s burial predates the town itself, as Arlington was founded in 1876. The cemetery has many early settlers and pioneers buried there, in addition to veterans, postmasters, mayors, and other notable figures in our town’s history. The cemetery is over 10 acres in size, with more than 2,000 documented burials.

Arlington Cemetery joins others in our city with the designation of a Historic Texas Cemetery, including Hawkins Cemetery, Johnson Station Cemetery, and Middleton Tate-Johnson Family Cemetery—also known as the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds.

A cemetery may be eligible if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy by its historical associations. The associated medallion is highly coveted and well-respected by historians, preservationists, and taphophiles.

Thank you to the Texas Historical Commission for recognizing the historical significance of Arlington Cemetery!

More information about the Historic Texas Cemetery Designation program can be found here.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-23-26