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 1857 with burial of 3-year-old John Babcock, whose father Charles later gave tract to community. Other early burials were Civil War veteran John Haile and Col. C. C. Mason. Leander, founded 1882 when 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. 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 Review:
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 =)