In 2002, as it celebrated its 144th year of operations, the Athens Cemetery was officially recognized by the State of Texas as an historic cemetery.

The dedication and installation of the marker acknowledging this took place on May 16, 2003 at the entrance to the cemetery. The marker chronicles the cemetery's long and interesting history. Also unveiled and installed was an official medallion designating the cemetery as a "Historic Texas Cemetery". Principal speakers at the dedication were the honorable Jerry King, Mayor of Athens, the honorable David Holstein, County Judge of Henderson County and George Harris, Chairman of the Henderson County Historical Commission.

Also on the program was Arthur Hall of the Athens Cemetery Association, who related the interesting history of the cemetery to the large number of dignitaries and friends in attendance. Steve Grant, president of the cemetery association, served as master of ceremonies, and Rev. Joe W. Warren, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Athens, gave the invocation and benediction. Following the dedication, a brief walking tour of the old pioneer section of the cemetery was conducted, pointing out some of the more historic grave sites. 

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