Little River-Academy in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Fort Griffin

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 20, 2025

1. Fort Griffin Marker

Inscription. Site of a picket fort on Little River commonly called Fort Griffin; also known as Fort Smith and Little River Fort. Erected by Geo. B. Erath and 20 Texas Rangers in November, 1836 as a protection against Indians. Abandoned as a military post before the Santa Fe Expedition camped here, June 24-29, 1841 but used by settlers many years as a place of defense against the Indians.

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 1986.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 24, 1841.

Location. 30° 59.528′ N, 97° 23.432′ W. Marker is in Little River-Academy, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of W Main Street (Farm to Market Road 436) and Wilson Valley Road, on the right when traveling west on W Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Little River Academy TX 76554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally,

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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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Little River-Wilson Valley Cemetery (approx. 1.6 miles away); Memorial Baptist Church of Temple (approx. 3½ miles away); John Leggett Marshall (approx. 4 miles away); Greathouse Cemetery (approx. 4 miles away); Temple Founder Lions Club (approx. 5 miles away); Jeff Hamilton (approx. 5.2 miles away); King's Daughters Hospital (approx. 5.7 miles away); Post Oak Cemetery (approx. 5.8 miles away).

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 20, 2025

2. Fort Griffin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.