Round Rock History: The History of Hopewell Colored Cemetery
The cemetery is formerly known as Hopewell Colored Cemetery, on Sam Bass Road west of Interstate 35. It is a historic African American burial ground, a poignant historical site that serves as a critical reminder of Round Rock’s African American heritage. It should not be confused with the Slave Grave Cemetery written about previously, although they are both located within the boundaries of the Historic Round Rock Cemetery on Sam Bass Road.
The Hopewell Colored Cemetery was established in the late 19th century, the first recorded burial took place in 1880, marking the cemetery as a sacred ground created by Black families during the Reconstruction era. For generations, it provided a dignified resting place for community members, including veterans, educators, and pioneers, alongside the nearby Hopewell neighborhood and the Rosenwald-funded Hopewell Colored School, which opened its doors in 1921.
While there are few formal records documenting the cemetery’s origins, genealogical surveys reveal that by the year 2002, approximately 311 graves had been recorded, indicating its sustained use throughout the mid-1900s.
The individuals interred here reflect a tapestry of Round Rock’s history; they are the descendants of families who settled in the area following the Civil War, as well as later residents whose stories have been intertwined with the evolving narrative of the city. These graves symbolize the rich contributions of African Americans in a time marked by segregation, when separate schools and churches were a reality.
Hopewell Cemetery not only bears witness to the lives of those buried within its grounds but also stands in contrast to the Old Round Rock Cemetery, which is home to some of the area’s earliest settlers and notable figures, such as the outlaw Sam Bass. The existence of Hopewell illustrates the complex history of racial divisions in the region, which included a designated slave burial section in the 1800s and the legacy of early African-American lawmen like Thomas Allen.
Despite its historical significance, Hopewell Cemetery has faced challenges over the decades. Many of its original headstones have succumbed to weathering, leading to a number of unmarked graves, while the early 2000s brought attention to the condition of the cemetery.
Current assessments indicate that, although the grounds are generally well-maintained, many markers lie in disrepair—a situation that reflects a broader issue affecting historic Black cemeteries across Texas, where dwindling church congregations and insufficient funding have led to neglect.
Efforts to preserve this important site have been complicated by inaccuracies regarding recent preservation initiatives. While the Williamson County Historical Commission Cemetery Committee is involved in restoring neglected cemeteries across the county, there have been no organized clean-ups at Hopewell, however, the City of Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department continues to maintain the grounds, ensuring that they remain accessible for visiting descendants. Recorded burials in 2002 revealed a range of lives, from infants to centenarians, highlighting the generations of community life celebrated at Hopewell.
Today, the cemetery stands as a silent but powerful testament to Round Rock’s African-American community, embodying both the struggles of segregation and the resilience of its families. Ongoing stewardship efforts by descendants play a crucial role in preserving this sacred ground, as they clear brush, repair fences, and restore forgotten markers. Such actions ensure that Hopewell Cemetery is not lost to time but remains a vital part of the multicultural history of Round Rock, fostering remembrance and honoring the legacy of those laid to rest within it.
Authored by: Tina Steiner, Round Rock Preservation (RRP) Board of Directors
For more information about advocates for local cemeteries, check out Round Rock Cemetery Association.
Copy and images provided by Round Rock Preservation
This Round the Rock series is brought to you by Round Rock Preservation, an IRS 501c3 Nonprofit Charity established for charitable & educational purposes. (EIN: 81-2339800).
The mission of Round Rock Preservation is to fulfill the need for a city-wide community advocacy program related to protecting, preserving, and supporting historic preservation within the City of Round Rock. Lectures and presentations are available.
For more info, contact Frank Darr, Vice President, at fdarr@austin.rr.com.
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