As seen in the opening shots of the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” film (1974) is Bagdad Cemetery in Leander, Texas.
The cemetery itself is small and still an active cemetery with plots available. It was established in 1855 by Max Cacher.
The marker at the entrance reads:
Opened in 1857 with the burial of 3-year-old John Babcock, whose father Charles later gave the tract of land to the community. Other early burials were Civil War veteran John Haile and Col. C. C. Mason. Leander, founded in 1882 when the railroad bypassed Bagdad, shares use of this tract, enlarged in 1959 and 1966.
For more information about Bagdad Cemetery check out the Williamson County Historical Commission website.
This is just one of the several filming locations for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (which by the way, was not real nor was it based on real events). Also, check out my post about the old Sawyer Home which is now a cafe, but used in the filming of the dining room scene.
My Thoughts about Bagdad Cemetery:
We recently visited during one of our “outing adventures”. If you are into old cemeteries, this is definitely one to put on your must-see list. In addition to it being old, it was also used in the filming of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre which gives it extra cool points. So if you are in the area make sure to stop by and take a walk around.
Also, please remember this is NOT a movie set, it is a cemetery, so be respectful!
Address: CR 279, Leander, TX
Directions: SE corner of County Rd 279 and FM Rd 2243.
Hours: Daytime.
Admission: Free.
Distance from Fort Hood: 50 miles / 1 hour
Carlos Santiago
This is so cool! I’d go just to see where parts of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre were filmed…although I also find it fascinating to visit old cemeteries.
Me too! We love visiting old cemeteries =)
This story was told in Leander’s The Impact many years ago roughly back in 2006 or 2007.
When the director asked to film this scene of the movie, they approached the care taker of the graveyard. After it wrapped up and went to the silver screen, the husband’s wife found out about it and was NOT thrilled it was used for a horror movie. From the man telling this story of his grandparents, she did not quite forgive him for it either.
I linked your blog to this YT video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGd1tSn4Adk&ab_channel=FlickConnection
I hope it helps both.
Interesting story! Thanks for sharing!