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Arlington

Exploring Historic Cemeteries: The Lost Cemetery of Infants

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April A to Z Challenge 2020: It’s that time of year! Every April, bloggers around the world make posts for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make friends online. Here’s my post for today:

[The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Paranormal Texas. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

Lost Cemetery of Infants – A Surprisingly Cheery Tale

While single mothers are common in today’s world, and it’s often an intentional life choice, back in 1894, single mothers were shunned by society and had few options.

And it wasn’t just unwed mothers; the world of 1894 didn’t include many choices for girls who were runaways, addicts, widows, or in other unfortunate situations. Many otherwise charitable institutions, including churches, routinely turned their backs on women facing hard times.

To see a 5-minute info-video I made to accompany this story (with photos of Rev. Upchurch and his wife) watch this:

Forward Thinking for 1894

So when Reverend James Tony Upchurch created the Berachah Industrial Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls, it was a daring move for 1894. His idea that these women could be taught a viable trade and reintegrated as independent members of society was edgy and controversial by the standards of his day.

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

3 Simple Rules

There were only three rules at the Berachah Industrial Home. First off, you must never talk about the Berachah … Wait, no, that’s something else! Seriously, though, the first two rules were that each woman must do her chores and attend church each Sunday. The third rule required each unwed mother to care for her newborn for one full year before being allowed to give the child up for adoption.

Employable Skills for Women

For work, the women were taught a variety of employable skills for that era such as becoming a laundress, making handkerchiefs, typesetting, and printing. For the latter, the home published its own magazine called the Purity Journal. (I would love to read a copy of that, wouldn’t you?)

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Spread Over 40 Acres

Over the years, the Berachah Institute spread over 40 acres and became a self-sustaining village. They even had a 1000-seat auditorium for meetings, plays, and concerts. In 1935, Reverend Upchurch’s daughter took the reigns and turned the place into an orphanage. Things went downhill, however, after his death in 1950, and by the late 60’s all the buildings were torn down, the land parceled up, and sold off.

Lost Cemetery of Infants

Today, all that remains of the Rev. Upchurch’s life’s work is a well-hidden graveyard. While it’s come to be known as the “lost cemetery of infants,” there’s no indication that anything nefarious occurred. Considering that it was a home for unwed mothers, there were bound to be some still births and other complications.

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

First Names or Numbers Only

Most of the grave markers are flat stones rather than standing markers, so they are easy to miss. For the babies too young to have been named, the markers bear only a number, such as “Infant 46.” Other markers simply display a first name. Omitting the last name was a courtesy meant to protect the unwed mother’s anonymity.

Surprisingly Uplifting Story

As I researched this story, I kept waiting for it to turn sinister, to find out that Rev. Upchurch was abusive, or sold the children into slavery or some other awful thing. Instead I came away with an admiration for his lifelong dedication to empowering those who society had turned its back on. (In fact, this is one of those intriguing Texas tales that makes me want to write historical fiction!)

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Is Arlington’s Lost Cemetery of Infants Haunted?

Reported activity at this site includes shadowy figures seen darting between the trees, the sensation of being watched, the sounds of children’s voices, and small toys appearing (and disappearing) on graves. Some paranormal investigators have even reported feeling as if their hair was being stroked by invisible hands.

If you are interested in ghost hunting, this would be a good place to bring small toys as trigger items for EVP’s and other paranormal activity. If you do, let me know!

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Plan your trip to Lost Cemetery of Infants

Address:
Lost Cemetery of Infants
Doug Russell Park
801 West Mitchell St.
Arlington, TX 76013

Please note: The cemetery is located in the northwest corner of Doug Russell Park. It has a chainlink fence around it, but the entry gate is unlocked. Like so many things in life, if you don’t know it’s there, it’s easy to overlook. If you’re looking for it, however, it is easy to find.

WANT TO READ THE REST OF THE BOOK? This post is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas.

If you enjoy exploring historic graveyards, you might also enjoy reading my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols.

Leave a comment:

If you enjoyed this story, leave a comment below! I look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

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Filed Under: Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Historic Cemeteries Tagged With: Arlington, cemetery, historic cemeteries, history, paranormal, paranormal texas, Texas, texas travel, Tui Snider

Ghosts & Gold: The Legend of Crystal Canyon

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The following is an adapted excerpt from Paranormal Texas, my best-selling travel guide to haunted places and paranormal hot spots near Dallas and Fort Worth. Check it out if you enjoy learning historic haunted lore, or are looking for unusual road trip ideas in north Texas.

The legend of hidden gold in Arlington’s Crystal Canyon Natural Area is one of those tall Texas tales that make historians roll their eyes. It’s such a persistent bit of folklore, however, that I had to look into it.

Besides, all fiction aside, people do report paranormal activity here.

Is Arlington's Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)
Is Arlington’s Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)

Like many legends, the story of Crystal Canyon begins with a kernel of truth – or in this case, a colonel, by the name of Jacob Snively. Snively was an officer for the Republic of Texas who led a band of men calling themselves “The Batallion of Invincibles.” Their mission, should they choose to accept it, was raiding Mexican wagons that crossed into Texas territory.

So far so good, but Snively and his merry men were disbanded. As it turns out, the US Army viewed these raids as an act of piracy against the Mexican government rather than justifiable border patrol activity.

Is Arlington's Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)
Is Arlington’s Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)

The legend, on the other hand, claims that Snively’s group went against orders and grabbed a tidy sum of Mexican gold on one of their raids. When US troops caught wind of this, they cornered Snively and his Invincibles at Arlington’s Crystal Canyon. As a last ditch effort, the Invincibles buried their stolen Mexican gold in the canyon walls before being taken into custody.

As for the gold? It was never found.

It was never found, of course, because it was never there. Still, you must admit that this urban legend is an improvement from a storytelling perspective! These days, Crystal Canyon Natural Area is a pretty park, good for gemstone hunters, joggers, and bird-watchers.

Is Arlington's Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)
Is Arlington’s Crystal Canyon Natural Area haunted? (photo by Tui Snider)

Whatever actually happened here, many people insist that Crystal Canyon is a paranormal hot spot. The truth remains to be discovered. Perhaps you will be the one to figure out what’s really behind the phantom footsteps and disembodied voices people report hearing to this day.

Plan your trip to Crystal Canyon
Address:

Crystal Canyon Natural Area
1000 Brown Blvd.
Arlington, TX 76011

Website:
http://naturallyfun.org/crystal-canyon-natural-area

 

Want to read more like this?


To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide:
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places:
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history:
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber

 


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Hey, you! Want to come along for the ride?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below. Each week, I’ll let you know the Historic Cemetery Symbol of the Week, who Teal Gray & I are interviewing on our show that night, and any other fun or interesting news. You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Filed Under: Cemeteries & Symbolism Tagged With: Arlington, crystal canyon natural area, ghost, haunted, haunting, Paranormal, paranormal texas, Texas Travel, Tui Snider, urban legend

Arlington’s Lost Cemetery of Infants – A Surprisingly Cheery Tale

by 10 Comments

#GraveHour Photo Essay: Lost Cemetery of Infants

The following is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas. To see a 5-minute info-video I made to accompany this story (with even more photos) click here: Secret Texas History: Lost Cemetery Video

While single mothers are common in today’s world, and it’s often an intentional life choice, back in 1894, single mothers were shunned by society and had few options. And it wasn’t just unwed mothers; the world of 1894 didn’t include many choices for girls who were runaways, addicts, widows, or in other unfortunate situations. Many otherwise charitable institutions, including churches, routinely turned their backs on women facing hard times.

Forward Thinking for 1894

So when Reverend James Tony Upchurch created the Berachah Industrial Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls, it was a daring move for 1894. His idea that these women could be taught a viable trade and reintegrated as independent members of society was edgy and controversial by the standards of his day.

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

3 Simple Rules

There were only three rules at the Berachah Industrial Home. First off, you must never talk about the Berachah … Wait, no, that’s something else! Seriously, though, the first two rules were that each woman must do her chores and attend church each Sunday. The third rule required each unwed mother to care for her newborn for one full year before being allowed to give the child up for adoption.

Employable Skills for Women

For work, the women were taught a variety of employable skills for that era such as becoming a laundress, making handkerchiefs, typesetting, and printing. For the latter, the home published its own magazine called the Purity Journal. (I would love to read a copy of that, wouldn’t you?)

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Spread Over 40 Acres

Over the years, the Berachah Institute spread over 40 acres and became a self-sustaining village. They even had a 1000-seat auditorium for meetings, plays, and concerts. In 1935, Reverend Upchurch’s daughter took the reigns and turned the place into an orphanage. Things went downhill, however, after his death in 1950, and by the late 60’s all the buildings were torn down, the land parceled up, and sold off.

Lost Cemetery of Infants

Today, all that remains of the Rev. Upchurch’s life’s work is a well-hidden graveyard. While it’s come to be known as the “lost cemetery of infants,” there’s no indication that anything nefarious occurred. Considering that it was a home for unwed mothers, there were bound to be some still births and other complications.

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

First Names or Numbers Only

Most of the grave markers are flat stones rather than standing markers, so they are easy to miss. For the babies too young to have been named, the markers bear only a number, such as “Infant 46.” Other markers simply display a first name. Omitting the last name was a courtesy meant to protect the unwed mother’s anonymity.

Surprisingly Uplifting Story

As I researched this story, I kept waiting for it to turn sinister, to find out that Rev. Upchurch was abusive, or sold the children into slavery or some other awful thing. Instead I came away with an admiration for his lifelong dedication to empowering those who society had turned its back on. (In fact, this is one of those intriguing Texas tales that makes me want to write historical fiction!)

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Is Arlington’s Lost Cemetery of Infants Haunted?

Reported activity at this site includes shadowy figures seen darting between the trees, the sensation of being watched, the sounds of children’s voices, and small toys appearing (and disappearing) on graves. Some paranormal investigators have even reported feeling as if their hair was being stroked by invisible hands.

If you are interested in ghost hunting, this would be a good place to bring small toys as trigger items for EVP’s and other paranormal activity. If you do, let me know!

Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Lost Cemetery of Infants in Arlington, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Plan your trip to Lost Cemetery of Infants

Address:
Lost Cemetery of Infants
Doug Russell Park
801 West Mitchell St.
Arlington, TX 76013

Please note: The cemetery is located in the northwest corner of Doug Russell Park. It has a chainlink fence around it, but the entry gate is unlocked. Like so many things in life, if you don’t know it’s there, it’s easy to overlook. If you’re looking for it, however, it is easy to find.

WANT TO READ THE REST OF THE BOOK? This post is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas. To see a 5-minute info-video I made to accompany this story (with photos of Rev. Upchurch and his wife) click here: Secret Texas History: Lost Cemetery Video

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols

If you enjoy exploring historic graveyards, you might also enjoy reading my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols.

Leave a comment:

If you enjoyed this story, leave a comment below! I look forward to hearing from you!

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Hey, you! Want to see more #GraveHour photo essays?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books & presentations take you on a FUN adventure!

PRIVATE NEWSLETTER: If you’d like to keep up with me, you might like my newsletter. Use the form below to sign up if you’d like to know:

  • What I’m up to
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  • Any other fun news!

As a thank you for signing up to my newsletter, you’ll receive a historic cemetery symbols guide I created called “A Quick Guide to The Many Meanings of Hands.”






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Filed Under: Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Historic Cemeteries Tagged With: Arlington, cemetery, historic cemeteries, history, paranormal, paranormal texas, Texas, texas travel, Tui Snider

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