Comanche! LbNA #44159

The area that is now Comanche County was dominated from the eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries by the Comanche Indians. The Comanches' culture was well adapted to their life on the plains. Unlike some Indian tribes they organized raids and buffalo hunts without a tribal military society, but with a responsible hunt leader chosen as coordinator. Their prey included buffalo, elk, mustangs,qv longhorn cattle,qv and black bears of the Cross Timbers region; the last they used for their oil. They did not eat fish, wildfowl, dogs, or coyotes unless they were severely pressed for food. Comanches sheltered in the common plains type of tepee, made of tanned buffalo hides, standing twelve to fourteen feet high and resting on a framework of sixteen to eighteen poles. The entry was usually covered with a bearskin, and a flap at the peak vented smoke from winter fires. One of boldest, and last, raids the Comanches made in this county came in May, 1861, during the "Bright Moon." A braying mule wakened the citizens of the town of Comanche, but only after nearly all their horses were stolen. The citizens spent rest of the night molding bullets. Pursuit began at dawn, under command of Capt. James Cunningham, assisted by 17 boys and men, using hounds. The posse finally caught up with the Indians on Brown's Creek (about 36 mi. SW of town), killing 19 in close fighting. The townfolks’ only casualty was a slight wound given to Capt. Cunningham. The picture on the logbook, as well as the image on the stamp, are that of Quanah Parker, the last great chief of the Cherokees. Although he was not involved in the raid mentioned above, he undoubtedly passed through this area.

Directions:

Comanche is located in Comanche County, on Hwy. 377, about 100 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Stop at the courthouse and see the oldest standing courthouse in Texas, called the Old Cora. It stands on the square with the current courthouse. From there, go west on Hwy. 377, which runs in front of the courthouse, until you cross the railroad track, just west of town. Turn to the left on Comanche Trail and enter the city park, which lies on Indian Creek.

To the box:

Drive past the softball fields on your right and enter the picnic area. When you see the rest room buildings to the left, turn on the park road and park between the two buildings. Walk in the direction on the Women’s Rest Room. Pass it and continue on to the intersection of the park roads. Turn right and go to a stone bench on your left that has the faint words “Farmers Produce” on its top. From the bench, look 80 degrees magnetic and find a large oak tree at the far edge of the clearing, on the bank of Indian Creek. The box is behind the tree covered with rocks. Be sure to replace the rocks. They’re the only think keeping the box from slipping downhill into the creek.