Tackett Mountain (Texas) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tackitt Mountain
Tackitt Mountain Location in Texas
Highest point
Elevation	1,375 ft (419 m)
Prominence	180 ft (55 m)
Parent peak	Miller Benchmark
Geography
Location	Young County, Texas, U.S.
Topo map	USGS Tackitt Mountain
Geology
Mountain type	limestone
Climbing
First ascent	1850s

Tackitt Mountain, sometimes called Tackett Mountain, is a small mountain in Young County, Texas, USA. It is located west of the town of Graham, Texas. This mountain is known for a famous battle that happened there between a settler named Pleasant Tackitt and a Native American leader called Old Piny Chummy.

A Look at Tackitt Mountain

Tackitt Mountain reaches an elevation of 1,375 feet (419 meters) above sea level. It is a summit, which means it's the highest point of a mountain or hill. The mountain is made of limestone, a common type of rock.

Early Settlers and the Tackitt Family

In the mid-1800s, many settlers moved to West Texas. One of these settlers was Pleasant Tackitt, a Methodist minister. He first settled in Parker County, Texas in 1854. Two years later, in 1856, he moved his family to Young County. They were among the first people to settle in that area.

The Tackitt family's home was located near Fish Creek. This creek got its name because the Tackitts would break the ice to catch fish during cold winter weather. Their home was also on an old road that connected Fort Belknap to Austin.

The Battle of Tackitt Mountain

A significant event happened near Tackitt Mountain on February 13, 1860. On that evening, one of Mr. Tackitt's cows came home with an arrow in its side. The weather was very cold, with sleet and snow.

Pleasant Tackitt and his sons followed the cow's tracks. They found signs of Native Americans, including moccasin tracks and blankets hanging on the east side of Tackitt Mountain. Tackitt decided it was best to approach the group carefully from the north.

Confrontation with Old Piny Chummy

Suddenly, several Native Americans charged. These warriors were led by Old Piny Chummy, a Comanche leader. He had lived on the Comanche Reservation near old Camp Cooper just a few months before. Tackitt and his sons knew Old Piny Chummy well, and he likely recognized them too.

Old Piny Chummy charged directly at Parson Tackitt. During the fight, the old chief was seriously wounded by a shot from the parson's gun.

Aftermath of the Fight

After the battle, a white flag was found flying from the top of a tree on Tackitt Mountain. Under the flag, people found several items. These included four bridles, four ropes, four bows, and four quivers of arrows. Blankets and other tools were also found.

A few days later, circling vultures showed where four warriors killed in the fight were buried. This battle is an important part of the history of Young County and the early days of settlement in Texas.