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.
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…