The Stone Houses
Windthorst, Archer County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Named for shapes resembling teepees; an Indian ceremonial ground, yielding war paint. In famed "Battle of Stone Houses," Nov. 10, 1837, Lt. A. Van Benthousen and 18 Rangers (hunting stolen horses) were attacked 1.5 miles west of here by 150 Keechis. Ten Rangers and 50 Indians died in 3-hour battle. Indians fired the grass. Rangers lost their horses but escaped through a ravine and walked back to settlements. In 1874, area's first permanent home was built near the stone houses (and 5 mi. W of here) by English-born Dr. R. O. Prideaux (1844-1930), who helped organize this county. Erected by Archer County Historical Survey Committee, 1970.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Named for rock formations resembling teepees and once an Indian ceremonial ground, the Stone Houses gave their name to a sharp frontier clash on November 10, 1837. Lieutenant A. Van Benthousen and 18 Rangers, tracking stolen horses, were attacked nearby by a much larger Keechi force; ten Rangers and many warriors fell in a three-hour fight before the survivors escaped on foot. In 1874 the area's first permanent home was built close by the formations.
Why it matters
The battle is a stark episode in the violent contest between the young Republic of Texas and the Native peoples whose lands its settlers were entering, a struggle that shaped the North Texas frontier.
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Related people
- · A. Van Benthousen
- · R. O. Prideaux
Related events
- · Battle of Stone Houses
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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