Cherokee Chief Bowles Historical Marker
The East Texas Weekend Preview — On July 16, 1839, among the pine trees of Van Zandt County, Chief Bowles and his mobilized warriors of 13 different tribes were slain by a Texas militia.
The lead up to this event was tragic and messy. Tensions rose between local tribes and the newly founded Republic of Texas over promised land. Mexican agents were attempting to incite Cherokees against the state. And blame for the Killough Massacre was targeted towards Native Americans.
The person at the center of all of this turmoil was Cherokee Chief Bowles. A beloved leader. A powerful figurehead. And dear friend to Sam Houston.
All of this conflict would eventually culminate to an order to leave Texas by newly elected president, Mirabeau B. Lamar. Chief Bowles would refuse. Later, an all out battle would ensue resulting in the death of hundreds of tribe members and Chief Bowles.
To get a grasp of the entire story, check out this piece by The Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Tribe, under the name of Texas Cherokee.
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Today, you can visit the actual battle site where so many local Native Americans lost their lives. To get to the actual memorial you will need to take a dirt road drive to the designated trailhead. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the piney woods that will eventually lead to an open space filled with markers of the various tribes that contributed their efforts in the Battle of the Neches. At the center is the stunning granite marker, covered in heartfelt gifts, dedicated to non other than Chief Bowles himself.
Every July 16th, the American Indian Cultural Society hosts a memorial ceremony to remember the battle.
Chief Bowles’ Memorial Marker can be found at: 2986 Co Rd 4923, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
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