Near Leander in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
"Webster Massacre"
Photographed By Richard Denney, August 9, 2008
1. Webster Massacre Marker
the victims of the
"Webster Massacre"
of August 27, 1839
About thirty homeseekers
headed by John Webster
enroute to what is now Burnet
County, were attacked by a band
of Comanche Indians
After attempting to flee under
cover of darkness, they
were trapped in this vicinity
Mrs. Webster and her two children
were captured and later released
All the others were killed
Martha Webster then but
three years old was later
married to Marmaduke Strickland
Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 9369.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 30° 34.975′ N, 97° 49.583′ W. Marker is near Leander, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from FM 2243, 2 miles east of Leander, on the left when traveling east. In Davis Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leander TX 78641, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured
this page online
Also see . . . The Great Comanche Raid: Boldest Indian Attack of the Texas Republic, by Donaly E. Brice. Brice's book explains how events such as the Webster massacre (in particular the role of captives) were key in precipitating subsequent events that would define Texas and Comanche bitter relations for the rest of the 1800s, namely the Council House Fight in San Antonio, which in turn led to the burning of Victoria and Linnville by the Comanches, which in turn resulted in retaliation by Texians (citizens of the Republic of Texas) at the Battle of Plum Creek. (Submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
Photographed By Richard Denney, June 28, 2009
2. Marker (center by tree) in front of common grave
Photographed By Richard Denney, June 27, 2009
3. Lid of sarcophagus that serves as common grave.
The inscription on the lid was done (or re-done) as recently as 2008. It reads in part "To the memory [of] Washington Perry Reese and William Parker Reese. Killed with John Webster and Company by Comanche Indians August 27th 1839 AD"
Photographed By Richard Denney, August 9, 2008
4. Wider view of the cemetery. Marker by tree center.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,231 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on October 13, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
