On April 29, 1856, Cedar Hill was struck by a tornado that claimed at least nine lives, damaged property, killed livestock, and reportedly left only two structures standing.
 Among the survivors was teacher and pastor, Robert Crawford.
 Crawford donated four acres of his land to church trustees to be designated as a free and indiscriminate public graveyard.
 Nine victims of the tornado were buried on Crawford's land.

The graveyard lay lost for about 100 years.
It was rediscovered and certified by the Texas Historical Commission in 2006, and was named the Crawford Tornado Graveyard.
 The graveyard was reconsecrated in a blessing ceremony on October 7, 2011.
 The Texas Historical Commission marker was officially placed on the site on April 29, 2012, the 156th anniversary of the tornado.
On April 29, 1856, Cedar Hill was struck by a tornado that claimed at least nine lives, damaged property, killed livestock, and reportedly left only two structures standing.  Among the survivors was teacher and pastor, Robert Crawford.  Crawford donated four acres of his land to church trustees to be designated as a free and indiscriminate public graveyard.  Nine victims of the tornado were buried on Crawford's land.
The graveyard lay lost for about 100 years. It was rediscovered and certified by the Texas Historical Commission in 2006, and was named the Crawford Tornado Graveyard.  The graveyard was reconsecrated in a blessing ceremony on October 7, 2011.  The Texas Historical Commission marker was officially placed on the site on April 29, 2012, the 156th anniversary of the tornado.
Cedar Hill, Texas