Nacogdoches in Nacogdoches County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
"The Treaty"
sculpted by Michael Boyett
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, March 31, 2010
1. "The Treaty" Marker
Inscription.
"The Treaty". sculpted by Michael Boyett. The date was February 23, 1836, and the situation for Texas was desperate. Santa Anna with about 6,000 troops was on the march towards the Alamo with the intent of smashing the small, poorly-organized, and ill-equipped army of Texans along with their fledgling government. Fearing an alliance between Mexico and the Indian tribes, the Texas government sent its envoys to meet with the East Texas tribes, hoping to negotiate a treaty designed to keep them from fighting on the side of Mexico and remaining neutral., Nacogdoches residents, Sam Houston, Adolphus Sterne, and William Goyens, represented Texas in the negotiations, with Chief Bowles representing the Indian tribes. When the time came to sign the treaty, General Houston and John Forbes represented Texas, and Bowles, Cherokee Chief, spoke for the Indian tribes. Houston and Bowles were longtime friends and highly respected by one another and their peoples as leaders and men of integrity. Houston had become a member of the Cherokee nation, and many years before was given the title "The Raven", meaning "good luck". These men were warrior leaders who had proved their courage on the battlefield. Houston was the newly-commissioned commander of the army of Texas and Bowles, though over 80 years of age, was war chief of not only the Cherokees, but also the other 12 tribes represented., During the negotiations, Houston presented gifts to Bowles, including a sash, sword, red silk vest, and long dress-shirt, which the chief wore proudly at the signing. The document, which was signed on the back page, was decorated with bright ribbons, and each chief made his "X" in its appropriate places.
The date was February 23, 1836, and the situation for Texas was desperate. Santa Anna with about 6,000 troops was on the march towards the Alamo with the intent of smashing the small, poorly-organized, and ill-equipped army of Texans along with their fledgling government. Fearing an alliance between Mexico and the Indian tribes, the Texas government sent its envoys to meet with the East Texas tribes, hoping to negotiate a treaty designed to keep them from fighting on the side of Mexico and remaining neutral.
Nacogdoches residents, Sam Houston, Adolphus Sterne, and William Goyens, represented Texas in the negotiations, with Chief Bowles representing the Indian tribes. When the time came to sign the treaty, General Houston and John Forbes represented Texas, and Bowles, Cherokee Chief, spoke for the Indian tribes. Houston and Bowles were longtime friends and highly respected by one another and their peoples as leaders and men of integrity. Houston had become a member of the Cherokee nation, and many years before was given the title "The Raven", meaning "good luck". These men were warrior leaders who had proved their courage on the battlefield. Houston was the newly-commissioned commander of the army of Texas and Bowles, though over 80 years of age, was war chief of not only the Cherokees, but also the other 12 tribes represented.
During
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the negotiations, Houston presented gifts to Bowles, including a sash, sword, red silk vest, and long dress-shirt, which the chief wore proudly at the signing. The document, which was signed on the back page, was decorated with bright ribbons, and each chief made his "X" in its appropriate places.
Location. 31° 36.091′ N, 94° 39.042′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Lanana Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. The statue and marker are located in Eugenia Sterne Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nacogdoches TX 75961, United States of America. Touch for directions.
This statue of Sam Houston and Chief Bowles was made possible by the generous contributions of many individuals, families, and businesses in our community. The following gave extraordinary support to this effort. [ Individuals, businesses and The Foundation are listed. ]
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, March 31, 2010
4. Close-up of the Chief Bowles and Sam Houston statue.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,409 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.