Near Clarksville in Red River County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

A House of the William Becknell Family

Photographed by James Hulse, September 28, 2023

1. A House of the William Becknell Family Marker

Inscription. William Becknell (1788-1856) of Missouri is renowned for opening the Santa Fe Trail from the United States into Spain's New World Empire in 1821. He and his wife Mary settled in 1835 near here, on Becknell's Prairie, with a daughter and two sons. On the way to the Alamo, David Crockett visited them. Becknell himself fought in 1836 in the Texas War for Independence. After milled lumber became available, he or his family built the earliest portion of this house. It was later enlarged and relocated.

Restored by Ella Ruth and Harold Wallace in 1988.

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10866.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 33° 36.764′ N, 95° 6.937′ W. Marker is near Clarksville, Texas, in Red River County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 82) 0.1 miles east of County Highway 2123, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located along the south side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1239 Main Street, Clarksville TX 75426, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of McKenzie College (approx. 1.4 miles away); Fairground Cemetery (approx. 2½ miles away); First Baptist Church of Clarksville (approx. 2.6

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miles away); City of Clarksville (approx. 2.7 miles away); William Becknell (approx. 3.3 miles away); Becknell Cemetery (approx. 3.3 miles away); a different marker also named William Becknell (approx. 3.3 miles away); David Gouverneur Burnet (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarksville.

Also see . . .
1. Becknell, William (ca. 1787–1856). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on October 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Santa Fe Trail. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on October 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the A House of the William Becknell Family Marker by the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 28, 2023

2. The view of the A House of the William Becknell Family Marker by the street

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,256 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.