Cemeterio Guadalupe

Type: Cemetery	Rating: N/A
Years In Use: N/A
Open To The Public: Yes	Historical Marker: No
ADAAccessible: N/A
Dogs Allowed: N/A	Bikes Allowed: N/A
Cost: N/A
Address: Old Post Road
City: San Marcos	County: Hays

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The main gate at the cemetery.

Cemeterio Guadalupe resides on the outskirts of San Marcos on Old Post Road, not far from the San Marcos - Blanco Cemetery. Though Cemeterio Guadalupe was established within 10 years of San Marcos - Blanco, it does not feature an historical marker and appears to get less notice. Though not the center of attention, the cemetery does appear to be well maintained.

This base most likely once held a large wooden cross, that has since weathered away.

Judging from the markers found in the cemetery, it appears to have first been used near the start of the 20th century. As you may guess from the name, the cemetery primarily serves hispanic families.

A wide angle view of the cemetery.

Compared to many area cemeteries, the markers are generally well adorned with flowers and keepsakes to remind families of their deceased loved ones. Prominent crosses are numerous, one standing over 6 feet tall. Most crosses are smaller and more personalized, some bearing inlaid metal or tiled surfaces.

This Woodmen of the World marker fell over like a cut tree.

Judging from clues left behind, one of the more interesting crosses in the cemetery appears to have weathered away, or has been removed. A large pedistal with a slot in its center contained remnants of wood within it, indicating that it once supported some wooden shape, most likely a large cross.

Unlike the probable wooden cross, this one will last a bit longer.

Around the hillcountry, more headstones are beginning to include photos of the deceased. Cemeterio Guadalupe is no exception. In fact, it appears to include a larger percentage of such photos on headstones from as early as the 1950's than can be found elsewhere.

The oldest marker dates to 1909 and the cemetery continues to serve that area hispanic population to this day. Despite containing some headstones almost as old as though found in other cemeteries around the area, I was unable to locate any additional information on the plot relating to the exact date established or who was originally responsible for it.

Photos

A few graves are encircled by wrought iron fences. This one is so completed covered in trees it resembles a vase. (Photo by Austin Explorer)	This marker appears to have been damaged at its base. Most likely the result of repeated bumps from maintenance equipment. (Photo by Austin Explorer)	This cross of mosaic tile also includes a wreath of flowers. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Note the enlayed metal cross in this marker. (Photo by Austin Explorer)	Young Sylvia's headstone includes a photo. This practice is becoming more common elsewhere as well. (Photo by Austin Explorer)	This old gate has outlasted the headstone it was designed to protect. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

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List Price: $18.95 Our price: $8.85

What better place for a Texas ghost hunter to find ghosts than in a cemetery? But how do you know when you’ve seen a ghost? Perhaps you only feel its eerie presence in the form of a brief but definite chill, like walking into a cold spot on a warm day.

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Read the tales with an open mind. They are for pleasure, a bit of paranormal, a little seriousness, and hopefully a laugh or two. If you are a nonbeliever in the supernatural, you may change your mind unless your skepticism is etched in stone. Then again the author learned that nothing is etched in stone forever.

This humorous book also includes some unusual coffins, tombstones, and epitaphs as well as some early Texas burial traditions.