Near Wesco in Gray County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Battle of North Fork of Red River
Photographed By Allen Lowrey, July 15, 2023
1. Battle of North Fork of Red River Marker
Inscription.
Battle of North Fork of Red River. . On Sept. 29, 1872, Col. Ranald S. MacKenzie (1840-89) found in this area a 262-tepee village of Comanches defying treaties that sought to confine them on Indian Territory reservations. MacKenzie's 231 U.S. Cavalry and Infantrymen captured the village in half an hour and routed Chief Mow-Way's warriors, who made a desperate resistance from sheltering creek banks. That night the Indians succeeded in recapturing their horses from an army guard detail. This taught MacKenzie a lesson that led to his eventual victory in the 1874 campaign to subdue the Indians.
On Sept. 29, 1872, Col. Ranald S. MacKenzie (1840-89) found in this area a 262-tepee village of Comanches defying treaties that sought to confine them on Indian Territory reservations. MacKenzie's 231 U.S. Cavalry and Infantrymen captured the village in half an hour and routed Chief Mow-Way's warriors, who made a desperate resistance from sheltering creek banks. That night the Indians succeeded in recapturing their horses from an army guard detail. This taught MacKenzie a lesson that led to his eventual victory in the 1874 campaign to subdue the Indians.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 324.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is September 29, 1872.
Location. 35° 24.941′ N, 100° 40.328′ W. Marker is near Wesco, Texas, in Gray County. Marker is on Ranch to Market 1321, 6.3 miles east of Texas Route 273, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: RM 1321, Wesco TX, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2023, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2023, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
