Bradley Prairie facts for kids
Bradley Prairie is a special grassy area, also known as a prairie, located in Southwest Angelina County, Texas, in the United States. It's found near the town of Burke, Texas. This area has a rich history, from early trade with Native American tribes to becoming a farming hub and later an airport site.
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Discovering Bradley Prairie
Bradley Prairie is a beautiful, flat grassland. It is located in the southwestern part of Angelina County, Texas. This area is close to the small town of Burke. Prairies are important natural spaces. They are home to many plants and animals.
Early History and Trade
The prairie was named after a man named Tom Bradley. He was from San Augustine, Texas. In 1835, Tom Bradley built a special place called a trading post here. A trading post was like a store where people could exchange goods. Tom Bradley traded with several Native American tribes. These included the Muscogee (Creek people), Biloxi, Alabama (people), and Coushatta tribes. They lived near the Neches River. He also traded with the Shawnee people. They lived in the southeastern part of the county.
All these tribes had moved to Texas from other parts of the country. They settled on land that was once home to the Caddo people. Many Caddo people had died centuries earlier. This was due to diseases brought by European explorers.
Farming and Railroads
In the mid-1800s, cattle ranching was very important here. A part of the Opelousas Cattle Trail passed just south of Burke. This trail connected Opelousas, Louisiana and Crockett, Texas. It was used to move cattle across the land.
After the American Civil War, many farmers moved to Bradley Prairie. They came mainly from the southern United States. The prairie's soil was very fertile, meaning it was great for growing crops.
In 1881, the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad arrived. The town of Burke was founded on the western edge of Bradley Prairie. This made the area important for growing cotton.
A Changing Landscape
Later, other towns like Lufkin, Texas and Diboll, Texas grew. These towns became centers for the lumber industry. As the lumber business grew, Bradley Prairie and Burke became less important.
In 1951, the Angelina County Airport was built. It was located in the middle of Bradley Prairie, near Burke.
After the town of Burke was founded, the name "Bradley Prairie" slowly stopped being used. Today, most people have forgotten this historic name.
