Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Bedias Indians

Photographed By Jim Evans, February 5, 2007

1. The Bedias Indians Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Bedias (Bidai, Bedai) Indians, a small southeastern Texas tribe, were probably the earliest inhabitants of the Walker County region. "Bidai" is thought to derive from a Caddo word meaning "brushwood". The peaceful Bedias lived in scattered villages and subsisted by hunting, fishing, cultivating maize and trading with other Indians and early settlers. As their numbers dwindled, they were assimilated into other cultures of the area.

"The Source" Sculpture created by:
Monica A. Taylor and Lawrence T. Zink

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.

Location. 30° 43.487′ N, 95° 33.011′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 10th Street and University Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Huntsville Springs (a few steps from this marker); Site of First Masonic Lodge Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line);

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Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (about 400 feet away); Old Gibbs Store (about 500 feet away); First United Methodist Church of Huntsville (about 500 feet away); Sam Houston Whittling Site (about 500 feet away); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (about 500 feet away); Walker County (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Regarding The Bedias Indians. Long ago, Bedias Indians were the primary inhabitants of what is now Huntsville, Texas. This little known display is in a small wooded area in a parking lot, located where the Bedias frequently met for shade and water. Follow the coordinates to find it or explore the wooded area.

The Bedias Indians Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Evans, February 5, 2007

2. The Bedias Indians Display

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,982 times since then and 238 times this year. Last updated on December 6, 2016, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.