South Belton Cemetery is located on Kinney Hill on the South side of Nolan Creek. Bell County and Belton were formed in early 1850. The cemetery was established soon after. The oldest remaining marked death date is May 21, 1851 when Elizabeth Burris was buried here. Many on those buried at the cemetery contributed to the development of Belton, Bell County, and Texas. The cemetery was the only cemetery in Belton until the establishment of North Belton Cemetery in 1877/78. South Belton Cemetery saw very little use after the 1920s.

In 1884 the South Belton Cemetery Association formed. Two years later the Association took over control of the cemetery with the county reserving the right to bury paupers. In 1888 Judge Rosborough deeded the cemetery to the Association. The Association maintained the cemetery, raised funds for maintenance, and in 1908 placed a fence around the cemetery. After the Association ceased to exist the grounds and tombstones fell in disrepair. In the 1950s the City of Belton agreed to become responsible for the care of the cemetery and remaining funds from the dissolved Association transferred to the City. The City of Belton continues to maintain the cemetery.

In 2008 the City of Belton and the Major Robert M. White Camp #1250 Sons of Confederate Veterans formed a partnership to preserve, restore, and enhance the cemetery.

South Belton Cemetery remains a significant focal point of early Belton and Bell County history. Designated an Historic Texas Cemetery, 2003.