Davenport Cemetery

Introduction

Located on the northern outskirts of San Antonio, Texas, Davenport Cemetery is a modest yet deeply significant historic burial ground. With origins dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, this private family cemetery stands as a tangible link between the region’s agrarian roots and the modern, expanding suburban landscape of northern Bexar County. Despite its small size—housing only thirteen marked graves, primarily of the Davenport family and their relatives—Davenport Cemetery offers a reflective window into early Texas settler life, regional funerary art, and the ongoing importance of community memory and preservation.

This comprehensive guide details Davenport Cemetery’s history, cultural value, visiting hours, accessibility, preservation challenges, and practical tips for making the most of your visit, as well as how you can support ongoing stewardship efforts.

Davenport Cemetery is situated approximately two miles west of Selma, Texas, on Evans Road, within northern Bexar County (Cemeteries of TX). Established in the late 19th or early 20th century, its creation reflects the rural Texas tradition of family plots, where pioneering families like the Davenports established private burial grounds to honor and remember their kin. The cemetery occupies a gentle rise in the landscape, chosen both for practical drainage and symbolic prominence.

Surrounded by native grasses, mature oaks, and open fields near Cibolo Creek, Davenport Cemetery preserves a sense of tranquility and continuity, serving as a quiet counterpoint to San Antonio’s urban expansion. The site is an invaluable resource for history enthusiasts, genealogists, and anyone interested in Texas’s rural heritage (Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum).

Family Legacy and Notable Burials

Davenport Cemetery contains thirteen marked graves, the majority belonging to the Davenport family and their close relatives (Find a Grave). The grave arrangement—ten side-by-side within the largest of four painted wrought iron enclosures—reflects Victorian funerary traditions and the importance of family unity. Prominent surnames such as Davenport, Evans, Foltz, Ware, Young, and Paige can be found among the headstones (BillionGraves), offering valuable genealogical and local history insights.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The defining features of Davenport Cemetery are its four wrought iron enclosures, originally painted white, which demarcate family plots and symbolize protection and purity. Gravestones, crafted from local limestone and granite, range from plain upright markers to Victorian-era designs, many bearing hand-carved inscriptions now weathered by time (Tombstone Travels). The overall layout is simple and evocative, with east-facing graves, grassy paths, and mature trees creating a contemplative atmosphere.

Visiting Davenport Cemetery: Hours, Tickets, and Directions

Visiting Hours:
Davenport Cemetery is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Go Travel Daily’s Guide to San Antonio). There are no posted hours, but visitors should avoid after-dark visits out of respect and safety.

Tickets and Fees:
There is no admission fee or ticket required. Donations to local preservation organizations are welcomed.

Directions:
The cemetery is located at 8007 E Evans Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266. The most convenient approach is by private vehicle or rideshare, as public transportation is limited. Parking is available along the roadside or adjacent to the grounds.

Accessibility:
The terrain is uneven and there are no paved paths, making wheelchair or stroller access difficult. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution, particularly after rain.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

• Terrain: Natural, uneven ground with grassy and occasionally overgrown paths.
• Seating and Shade: Limited benches; mature trees provide some shade.
• Restrooms: None on site—plan accordingly.
• Parking: Roadside or on grassy verge; avoid blocking driveways.
• Security: No on-site staff or lighting; visit during daylight and inform someone if visiting alone.
• Pet Policy: Pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
• Photography: Allowed; be respectful and do not disturb headstones or ironwork.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Davenport Cemetery’s rural setting makes it a peaceful stop—ideal for those interested in genealogy, history, or quiet reflection. Enhance your visit by combining it with other San Antonio area attractions:

• San Antonio Botanical Garden
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Davenport House
• City Cemetery #3

Travel Tips:

• Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Avoid visiting during extreme heat or inclement weather.
• Practice leave-no-trace principles.
• Confirm access if visiting as part of a group or for research.

Preservation Challenges and Community Involvement

Environmental and Physical Threats

Davenport Cemetery, like many historic rural cemeteries, faces environmental threats such as erosion, biological growth on headstones, and root damage from mature trees (NPI Cemetery Preservation). Weather and time have eroded inscriptions and damaged some markers, complicating preservation.

Vandalism and Neglect

Incidents of vandalism and general neglect present ongoing risks. Graffiti, theft of metalwork, and overgrowth can diminish the historic and cultural value of the site (Mt. Peace Cemetery Association).

Documentation and Funding

Incomplete or outdated burial records and limited funding for repairs and maintenance are major challenges. The cemetery relies on the efforts of descendants, volunteers, and local historical societies (San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation).

Community Action

Community involvement is essential. Programs like the Cemetery Steward Program, volunteer clean-ups, educational outreach, and digital documentation initiatives help preserve both the physical site and public awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Davenport Cemetery?
A: The cemetery is open to visitors during daylight hours, typically 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, admission is free.

Q: Is Davenport Cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited due to uneven terrain and lack of paved paths.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No regular tours, but special events may be organized by local historical societies.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is welcome, but please be respectful of the site.

Q: How can I help preserve Davenport Cemetery?
A: Volunteer for clean-up events, support local preservation organizations, or participate in documentation efforts.

Summary and Recommendations

Davenport Cemetery, while modest in scale, is a cherished historic landmark that encapsulates the rural heritage and family legacies foundational to San Antonio’s history. Its weathered gravestones, Victorian ironwork, and tranquil setting invite reflection and provide a meaningful connection to the region’s past.

Visitor Recommendations:

• Plan your visit during daylight hours and bring necessary supplies.
• Respect the site—avoid disturbing graves or removing objects.
• Combine your trip with visits to nearby historical attractions.
• Support preservation efforts through volunteering or donations.

Ongoing stewardship is vital to safeguard Davenport Cemetery for future generations. Engaging with local historical societies and utilizing resources like the Audiala mobile app can keep you informed about preservation initiatives, special events, and related heritage sites.