Remains pulled from Bayou crypt in 1901 This Forgotten Day in Houston

December 3, 1901: On this day, under an arrangement with the city of Houston, several bodies were removed from a family tomb.

The Donnellan Crypt often goes unnoticed, but the entrance is clearly visible if you take a boat ride down the Buffalo Bayou. Tucked away under the Franklin Street Bridge is a small red brick entrance that dates back at least 165 years.

Sometime before the Civil War, the Donnellans constructed their crypt to be the final resting place for members of the family. However, after the war, either out of safety for the town or fear of the Yankees, the entire Houston Confederate arsenal, which contained live iron bombs and cannon balls, was dumped into the Bayou.

Cemetery: Founders Memorial Cemetery

Location: 1217 West Dallas



Though they have passed on, the impact these people have had on our city remains largely intact. We've looked at a few cemeteries in our city where you can pay your respects to the Bayou City's finest.

less Cemetery: Founders Memorial Cemetery

Location: 1217 West Dallas



Though they have passed on, the impact these people have had on our city remains largely intact. We've looked at a few cemeteries in our city ... more Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Remains pulled from Bayou crypt in 1901 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

In 1866, two boys, one of them being a Donnellan, were playing in the shallow bayou and found one of the bombs. While handling it, the bomb exploded, killing both of the boys. The Donnellan boy was buried in the crypt.

After the bodies of the deceased Donnellans were removed and relocated to Glenwood Cemetery in 1901, the crypt remained untouched, and somewhat forgotten. Luckily, the crypt has only been built over rather than destroyed.

Have you ever seen the Donnellan Crypt? Tweet our host, Michael Callahan, @MCallahanTV using #ForgottenDayHOU.