Rotary and local partners secure Texas historical designation for Gardenhire Cemetery

The Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club and partners announced on Aug. 18 that Gardenhire Cemetery — also referred to as Memorial Park at Spring Creek Drive and Windle Park Drive — has received approval from the Texas Historical Commission for designation as a Texas historical landmark.

Matt Gibson, president of the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club, introduced Tommy White, who detailed the research and partnership with the Rockwall County Historical Commission to pursue the designation. “Most residents of Rockwall are not aware that tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood is a cemetery for World War I and World War II African American veterans,” White told the council.

White said the committee completed the research and paperwork, that six graves have been identified as military veterans, and that records about their service were located. He said longstanding local oral history sources — including members of New Caledonia Baptist Church — helped guide the work and that some documentary details remain unclear; for example, the origin of the “Gardenhire” name for the cemetery remains uncertain after records research.

White thanked Travis Sales, Ryan Miller and Judge Mark Russo for assistance and said the Texas Historical Commission’s approval had been secured; he said a formal dedication ceremony will be scheduled within a few months. Mayor McCallum thanked the Rotary Club and the city’s staff for facilitating the designation.

No formal council action was required; the presentation was part of proclamations, awards and recognitions on the consent agenda portion of the meeting.