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Road to the Fort - Photo by
Smith Creations
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Old
Fort Parker State Historical Site,
a 37.5-acre park between Groesbeck and Mexia in Limestone
County, was deeded by private owners in 1936 and was rebuilt
again in 1967. The original construction of the park was by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is now managed by Old Fort
Parker Inc.. It was the site of the abduction of Cynthia Ann
Parker (mother of Quanah Parker) on May 19, 1836, by Comanche
Indians. |
| History:
Old Fort Parker State Historical Park is a reconstructed fort
that pays tribute to the Parker family and other pioneers who
paid a high price to settle in Texas. The Parkers and other
members of their church came to Texas from Crawford County,
Illinois in 1833. In 1832, Daniel Parker, a staunch theologian,
had gained permission to settle in Texas. After organizing those
who wanted to go to Texas into the Predestinarian Baptist
Church, they all left Illinois in July of 1833 in ox- drawn
wagons. Daniel and the majority of his followers settled near
the present City of Elkhart, where a replica of their Pilgrim
Baptist Church still stands in their memory. Other members of
the group preferred to settle farther west, near the Navasota
River. Elder John Parker and three of his sons (Silas, James,
and Benjamin) began in December 1833 to clear land and to
construct "Parker's Fort."
On May 19, 1836, Comanche
Indians attacked the fort; 5 were killed, 5 were captured, and
the 21 survivors made their way to where Palestine is today. The
most famous of the captives was Cynthia Ann Parker. She adapted
to Indian ways and later married Chief Peta Nocona. Quanah
Parker, the last great Comanche chief, who was involved in the
Battle of Palo Duro Canyon, was the most famous of their three
children.
The Fort Parker Cemetery,
located 2.2 miles from the Fort, is an active cemetery and has
the graves of the people killed at the Fort in 1836.
Activities:
Activities include historical study and picnicking. Visitors can
explore cabins, climb the blockhouse, and recapture the
atmosphere of that fateful spring day in 1836.
Special Events: Living
History events are scheduled throughout the year; contact the
park for details.
- Christmas at the Fort the
2nd weekend of December
- Fall Trailride the 3rd
weekend of September
- Spring Rendezvous
(pre-1840) in April
- Fall of Fort Ceremony in
May
- Scottish Highlanders Camp
(1800s) 1st week of February
- Spring Trailride the 1st
week of April
- Thanksgiving trailride -
Indian Day of Sharing - Fall
- Summer Night - lst
Saturday night in June
Special Activity by
appointment: Primitive Skills classes/campout. Call or
write the park for information; groups welcome.
Tours:
A self-guided, interpretive fort tour is available and fees
apply. Texas Conservation Passports not valid.
Facilities:
Facilities include the replica of the stockade fort and
restrooms without showers. Water, restrooms, and fire rings
furnished; electrical hookups available. Call or write the park
to reserve. Primitive camping fee. Activity Building available
June 2000.
Directions:
To reach the park, take State Highway 14 out of Mexia seven miles
south to Park Road 35 to park headquarters.
Elevation,
Weather, and Schedule Information: Elevation: 500. Weather:
Average January minimum 34; average July maximum 95; average
annual rainfall 38.3.
Area
Attractions: Nearby are Fort
Parker State Park, Confederate
Reunion Grounds State Historical Park, Lake Limestone, and
Lake Mexia.
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