Victoria in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Round Top House and the Great Comanche Raid
1840
| | Victoria Trail Through Time | |
Photographed by James Hulse, February 17, 2022
1. Round Top House and the Great Comanche Raid Marker
peak of their power as
horse soldiers in the 1840s.
The Great Comanche war chief Buffalo Hump led a war party numbering between 400 and 700 warriors down the Guadalupe River Valley, arriving in Victoria on August 6, 1840. The war party advanced on Victoria with their wives and families in tow.
Near this spot the Comanche warriors came out of the river bottom and attacked Victoria. The word spread quickly as the attack was widespread. A dozen citizens took refuge in Placido Benavides' home, known as the "Round Top House" and survived the attack. At least 15 people near Victoria were killed. The Comanche moved to the south and attacked Linnville, the second largest port on the Texas coast. John J. "Juan" Linn's warehouses were sacked and the entire town burned to the ground, all the livestock stolen and at least six people were killed.
On the return trip to their homes, Comanche drove thousands of mules and horses but were intercepted by a large force of Texas Rangers under Ben McCulloch and a volunteer army under Edward Burleson, Matthew Caldwell and other leaders. A running battle ensued that spanned 15 miles at Plum Creek near Lockhart. While generally regarded as a Texas Ranger victory, only a dozen Indian bodies were recovered and the Indians
this page online
Captions
Lower Left: "Comanche" Orginal Illustration by Tom Jones
Upper Right: This 1830's Blunderbuss owned by Kurt House, from Three Rivers, Texas was a typical weapon used by Texas settlers for protection.
Erected by City of Victoria.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is August 6, 1840.
Location. 28° 48.361′ N, 97° 0.903′ W. Marker is in Victoria, Texas, in Victoria County. It is on West Stayton Avenue 0.1 miles west of North Bluff Street, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located east of the historic Pump House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria TX 77901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Victoria Pumping Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hill-O'Connor-Howard House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jacob Fox House (approx. Ό mile away); Alexander Lowe House (approx. Ό mile away); Fleming-Welder House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Proctor-Vandenberge House
Photographed by James Hulse, February 17, 2022
2. Round Top House and the Great Comanche Raid Marker
Also see . . . Buffalo Hump (unknown1870).
The famous one was a celebrated war chief of the Penateka Comanches. He first became prominent after the Council House Fight in San Antonio in March 1840. Outraged at the incident, he carried out a revenge raid across southeastern Texas. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on February 23, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, February 17, 2022
3. The view of the Round Top House and the Great Comanche Raid Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,629 times since then and 149 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
