TOMBALL, Texas – Work at an active construction site in Tomball has been halted after workers discovered what appeared to be headstones and evidence of a possible historic cemetery.
The discovery was made at the location in the 110 block of N. Walnut Street.
The site is the location of an older building which had recently been demolished. The City of Tomball says construction workers were clearing debris from the site when they discovered what appeared to be headstones dating back to the early 1900s.
“Our goal is to protect whosoever’s ancestors are here in their final resting spot until we’re told different,” Captain Brandon Patin said.
The contractor notified the city and the area has been secured pending further evaluation.
“The scene has been locked down while the appropriate historical authorities are contacted to assess the discovery and determine the historical significance of the site,” the city said.
The Tomball Police Department has fenced off the site until representatives from the local historical society can conduct their investigation.
“The City of Tomball is committed to treating the site with the utmost respect while the investigation is underway, recognizing that the area may contain the final resting places of individuals’ ancestors. Every effort will be made to protect and preserve the site until its historical significance can be determined,” the city said.
The discovery quickly drew curious onlookers, including longtime Tomball residents who said they never expected to see something like this in the heart of downtown.
“I’m shocked. I really am,” said Karen Bowden, who lives in Tomball.
John Reed, a member of the Tomball Preservation Society, said the discovery is a reminder of how much history may still be hidden beneath the growing city.
“I think there’s a lot about Tomball’s history we don’t know, and we should move slowly when we think we’re maybe in danger of erasing it,” Reed said.
Just steps away from the fenced-off construction site stands the iconic Tomball Pickleman, a downtown landmark that has welcomed visitors for more than three decades. Now, the familiar figure overlooks what could become one of the city’s most significant historical discoveries.
For now, Tomball police said an officer will remain at the site around the clock to protect the area while experts continue their investigation.
Officials say preserving the property is their top priority until they determine exactly what lies beneath the surface.