Near Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Karankawa Campsite
Photographed By Gregory Walker, April 17, 2010
1. Karankawa Campsite Marker
In this area is one of several known Karankawa campsites or burial grounds. Now extinct, the nomadic Indians lived along the Texas coast, depending on the Gulf for survival. In 1528 they aided Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca, but resisted all intruders from the time of the French expedition of La Salle in 1685. The tribe later declined because of disease and warfare with pirates and Anglo-American settlers. Known for tall tribesmen and alleged practices of ceremonial cannibalism, they had virtually disappeared from Texas by the 1840s. This campsite was discovered in 1962.
Erected 1966 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7502.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1528.
Location. 29° 11.219′ N, 94° 58.865′ W. Marker is near Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Bob Smith Road and Jolly Roger Road, on the right when traveling north on Bob Smith Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. West Galveston Island (approx. 2 miles away); Lafitte's Grove (approx. 3.3 miles away); Campbell's Bayou
this page online
Photographed By Gregory Walker, April 17, 2010
2. Location of Karankawa Campsite
Photographed By Richard Denney
3. Karankawa Campsite Marker
Panorama near and across from the marker that illustrates the Karankawa's coastal environment on Galveston Bay.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,105 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 3. submitted on January 3, 2014, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
