Big Spring State Park on Route of Old Comanche War Trail
Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
Marker Inscription
For Comanche war parties, about 1750 to 1875, the Big Spring was an oasis. Here paths from northeast, north and northwest twined into the War Trail that led to San Antonio and other Texas points, and down into Mexico. At the Big Spring, parties from far away as the Arkansas Valley could rest their horses. At this point on return trips northward, their weary captives might find water, rest, and possibly food. The Comanches harrassed settlements, robbing and burning stores, mills, farms, ranches; killing men and capturing women and children to be held for ransom, slavery, or adoption into the tribe. The War Trail was well marked, for warriors took on their long expeditions numerous pack and riding horses, hordes of dogs, and their women and children to wait upon the men and assist in the looting. Indians in the Civil War years, 1861-1865, had much freedom to invade Texas. By 1866 they were selling to New Mexico traders thousands of cattle stolen from Texas ranchmen. Most of the Comanches were put on reservations in 1875. Afterward their old trails were used by white settlers and by hunting parties on special leave. In 1881 a hunting party attacked builders on the T. & P. Railroad working near here. Incise on base: Early travel, communication and transportation series Erected by Moody Foundation
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
For more than a century, from about 1750 to 1875, the Big Spring was a vital oasis where Comanche paths from across the southern plains braided into a single War Trail running down to San Antonio and into Mexico. War parties watered and rested horses here, moving with families, pack animals, and captives taken in raids on frontier settlements. Comanche power ran high through the Civil War years, and only after most bands were forced onto reservations in 1875 did the old trails pass to settlers, railroad crews, and hunters.
Why it matters
It marks the reach of Comanche power across the southern plains and the hard frontier of raid, captivity, and displacement that reshaped Texas.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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