Amarillo’s Oldest Cemetery Opens for Free Historical Tours

Every year, as the leaves fall and the weather cools in Amarillo, it becomes hoodie and flannel season. It also marks the time when Amarillo’s oldest cemetery opens for tours.

Who Was the First Buried in Amarillo?

Llano Cemetery has been a part of Amarillo since 1888 and is the oldest cemetery in the Yellow City. The first person to be laid to rest in Amarillo was 24-year-old Lillian Morrow. She passed away while traveling through town with her family. Her family buried her on land owned by T.B. Hattie Clisbee. Three years later, in 1891, Potter County purchased the land, and the Amarillo Cemetery was established.

Almost 140 years later, Llano Cemetery is not only historical, but it is also the final resting place for many Amarilloans who made an impact on this world. Amarillo's Llano Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Famous Names Laid to Rest at Llano Cemetery

Lori Crofford

This cemetery is the final resting place for Terry Stafford, who was known for penning the George Strait hit Amarillo by Morning, and Suspicion, later recorded by Elvis. Other notable burials include wrestlers Ricky and Chris Romero, baseball player Frank Saucier, as well as many politicians, clergy, and ranchers.

Michael J. Rivera

Now you can get an amazing tour around the cemetery and learn the 137-year history of this final resting place.

When and Where Is the Llano Cemetery Tour?

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Llano Cemetery Tour will welcome guests between 2 to 5 pm to explore its rich history. You'll learn fascinating tales, hear about local legends, and family legacies.

Is the Llano Cemetery Tour Family-Friendly?

It's a family-friendly event, so it won't be creepy; it will be a learning experience. Best of all, the event is free, and food and drinks are available. Come learn the amazing history of Amarillo through the stories of those who came before us.

Llano Cemetery

Llano Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Amarillo. It started in 1888 when the Morrow family was passing through the area and their 24-year-old daughter Lillian died. They buried her on a piece of land owned by T.B. Hattie Clisbee. Potter County purchased the 20-acre piece of land for $400 in1891 creating the Amarillo Cemetery.

That 20-acres of land were quickly filled as Amarillo grew. On November 10 1921, Judge James Nathan Browning mailed the official papers to Austin to create Llano Cemetery, and later that night died in his sleep. The Texas Legislatture approved the Llano Cemetery Association charter on November 12, 1921 the same day Judge Browning was laid to rest in Llano Cemetery.

The cemetery is 164 acres and thousands of people from different walks of life are buried in the cemetery. Famous to unknown. Rich to the poorest of poor.

Visiting the cemetery you will walk through hundreds of years of Amarillo history and the future final resting place of those currently creating Amarillo's future.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford/TSM Amarillo

11 Haunted Urban Legends and Ghost Stories of Amarillo

Explore Amarillo’s most chilling ghost stories and eerie urban legends. From haunted schools to abandoned hospitals, uncover the spooky side of the Yellow City and experience firsthand accounts that keep locals whispering.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Amarillo Mourns the Loss of Cinder the Porcupine

The Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center rescued a porcupine during the 2024 Texas Panhandle Wildfires. They named her Cinder, and she has been a symbol of hope, strength, and courage.

Unfortunately, her fight ended on Monday, July 7th, and she is no longer in pain. Let us remember this special creature that gave hope to many all over the world.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford