Battle of Plum Creek facts for kids

The Battle of Plum Creek was a fight between the Republic of Texas and a large group of Comanche warriors. It happened near Lockhart, Texas, on August 12, 1840. This battle took place after the Comanches had carried out a huge raid across Texas.

Texan forces included Tonkawa allies, local militia, and Texas Rangers. The Comanche war party was led by Chief Buffalo Hump.

Why the Battle Happened

After an event called the Council House Fight in 1840, a Comanche leader named Buffalo Hump was very angry. He felt the Texans had betrayed his people. He gathered warriors from different Comanche groups. They decided to raid white settlements as revenge.

The Council House Fight Explained

The Council House Fight happened during peace talks between Texans and Comanches. Texan officials demanded that the Comanches return all white captives. One famous captive was Cynthia Ann Parker. The Comanches said they couldn't return everyone. Some captives were with other Comanche groups not at the talks.

To show they were trying, the Comanches brought two captives. But the Texans thought the Comanches were holding back. The Texans then decided to keep the Comanche leaders hostage. They wanted to make sure all captives were returned.

This plan caused panic. Everyone started fighting. Many Comanche leaders who came for peace were killed. This made the Comanches feel deeply betrayed.

The Great Raid of 1840

Buffalo Hump wanted to get revenge for the Council House Fight. He told other Comanche groups about his plan. He then led what became known as the Great Raid of 1840.

The Comanches traveled a long way. They went from West Texas all the way to the coast. They attacked the towns of Victoria and Linnville. Linnville was an important port city at that time. The Comanches raided and burned these towns. They took many valuable items. This was one of the biggest raids by Native Americans in Texas history.

On their way back home, the Comanches were met by Texas Rangers and militia. This meeting led to the Battle of Plum Creek.

The Battle of Plum Creek

The Battle of Plum Creek was more like a long chase and fight. The Comanche warriors were trying to get back to their lands. They had a huge number of stolen horses and mules. They also carried many firearms and other goods. These included mirrors, liquor, and cloth.

Texan volunteers quickly gathered. Mathew Caldwell led men from Gonzales. Ed Burleson led men from Bastrop. Ranger companies and armed settlers also joined them. They met the Comanches at Good's Crossing on Plum Creek. This place is near the modern town of Lockhart.

The Texans claimed victory in this battle. However, the Comanches managed to escape with most of their stolen goods. They also kept many of the horses and mules. Texans reported that they recaptured "several hundred head of horses and mules." They also got back "immense quantities of dry goods."

The Texans said they killed 80 Comanches during the fight. But only 12 Native American bodies were found. It seems the Comanches were slowed down by all the stolen animals and goods. This made it easier for the Texans to catch up to them. Thomas J. Pilgrim was one of the Texans who fought in this battle.

What Happened Next

After the battle, Buffalo Hump continued to lead raids. He kept fighting white settlements until 1856. That year, he led his group to live on the Brazos River Reservation.

The town of Linnville never fully recovered from the Great Raid. Most of its residents moved to a new settlement. This new place was called Port Lavaca. It was built a few miles away on the bay.

Online Sources

• Plum Creek battlefield received a historic marker in 1978. Battle of Plum Creek: near intersection of US 183 and SH 142 in Lions Park: Texas marker #9783