It's no secret that I like to go on road trips. Recently, I've been able to grab a few days off to relax and recharge. I planned a trip for over a month, and the time was right to tour some of Texas. My final destination was to see some family in the Dallas area, but I would take my time and see some parts of the state I'd never visited.

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If there's one thing Texas has plenty of, it's cemeteries. No matter how small, almost every town has some community burial place. I bet you've seen them too, even from the road. I read somewhere about an old cemetery in the community of Illinois Bend, Texas, that was billed as one of the oldest in the state, dating back to 1873.

LOOK: FLASHBACK IN TIME TO ONE OF THE OLDEST CEMETERIES IN TEXAS

Photo: Johnna Flores
Photo: Johnna Dowd
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SEE ALSO: Beware, This Haunted Cemetery in Texas Will Creep You Out

Let me be totally honest. It's not that I go lounging around cemeteries, but I appreciate Texas history with creepy flair. I had to check this out, and I'm glad I did. What I saw when I got there took me by surprise. I don't think I had ever seen graves this old before. There's even an above-ground crypt made of stone. Scroll with me as I take you inside the Illinois Bend Memorial Cemetery.

Photo: Johnna Flores
Photo: Johnna Dowd
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The Illinois Bend Cemetery is a historic Texas cemetery.


 

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A grave outlined with stone greets you as soon as you walk in.


 

Photo: Johnna Flores
Photo: Johnna Dowd
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I think this is the first above-ground crypt I've ever seen. If you look closely, you'll notice it's caved in. It's a little creepy.


 

Photo: Johnna Flores
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Some of the earliest graves are that of infants.


 

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Other headstones include pictures of the deceased.


 

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Seeing the graves of children is the saddest part.


 

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Looking at these old pictures can take you back in time.


 

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Some of the earliest stones are eroded.


 

Photo: Johnna Flores
Photo: Johnna Dowd
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I realize there are other road trip stops that are more fun and action-packed. I get it. Cemeteries aren't meant to be tourist attractions, but most have a peaceful vibe. Others are just beautiful areas. You'll find a bunch of history at these old Texas cemeteries. Just remember to practice reverence and respect for those in their final resting place.

Famous people from Texas are buried all over the United States. Look below to see whose name you recognize and where they are buried.

Burial Sites of Honored Texans

Since its statehood in 1845, Texas has been the home of thousands of honored and well-known men and women. Let's take a look at the final resting place of these men and women, as well as a world-famous bull and rumored extra-terrestrial.

Gallery Credit: Danny Merrell

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