Heritage Happy Hour – Magnolia Cemetery
March 20 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, for Heritage Happy Hour at the fan-favorite historic Magnolia Cemetery!
About Magnolia Cemetery:
“William McFaddin, County Pioneer and Texas War for Independence Veteran, started a private graveyard for his family, relatives, and friends on some of his land that rested on the highest knoll in Beaumont overlooking Brakes Bayou in the 1840s. The first recorded burial was made in 1847 when John D. Gilbert was laid to rest. The first recorded burial on the McFaddin plot was William’s son John Andrew McFaddin killed at the battle of Fordoche Louisiana during the Civil War on September 29, 1863.
During the 1860s another burial area adjacent to the McFaddins was marked for the Odd Fellows Lodge. Then, shortly after the reconstruction of the South, William saw the need for another addition to the hill so that other Southeast Texans would have a place to bury their loved ones. He deeded two and a quarter acres of his land that was adjacent to his private graveyard to the town of Beaumont in 1876 and was used in the beginning primarily for Civil War veterans and their families. Many people rest on the hill including another Texas War for Independence veteran, union soldier, deputy sheriff of Beaumont killed in the line of duty on September 25, 1881, and many victims of the Great Flu Epidemic of 1918.
In 1887 some of the prominent citizens of Beaumont gathered together to form a Corporation for benevolent and charitable purposes under the General Laws of the State of Texas. The purpose was ‘to purchase, improve and subdivide land and grounds for a private cemetery for the citizens of Beaumont and vicinity, and the future maintenance of the grounds by the sale of lots and otherwise as shall be the By-Laws prescribed.’ The Corporation was to have five Trustees as the Board of Trustees for the first year, with the five being named as Valintine Wiess, Edward L. Wilson, A.S. John, H.W. Smith, and John L. Keith. The Corporation issued capital stock in the amount of ten thousand dollars, divided into four hundred shares of twenty-five dollars each. This Charter application was signed by E.L. Wilson, A.S John, and V. Wiess. The Charter was approved by the Texas Secretary of State, on August 3, 1887. The Trustees of the Company then went back to their friend William McFaddin to purchase an additional thirteen acres needed to start what is now known as Magnolia Cemetery.” (Source: https://magnoliacemetery.org/our-history/)
Admission:
– Free for all Beaumont Heritage Society members
– $10 for all non-BHS members 21+
Heritage Happy Hour is an ongoing outreach program typically held every other month, with each event highlighting a historical landmark, time, exhibit, or organization, featuring complimentary craft beer provided by Giglio Distributing Co. (wine and non-alcoholic beverages also available). We believe that by promoting and sharing our local history and its historical significance in a fun and social way, we can also share and promote the efforts to preserve Beaumont’s historical landscape. Join the Beaumont Heritage Society today at beaumontheritage.org/membership and be a part of making a difference.