Temple in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Engagement

Bird Creek Battle & Indian Hunting Ground Site

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

1. The Engagement Marker

Inscription. In the final battle, the primary chief led his warriors for a last ditch attack, and they almost overran the ravine. Private James M. Robinette shot him, and the attack fell apart as the chief's braves tried to retrieve him. Many fell while attempting to gather his remains, while others retreated and left the battlefield. The Rangers stayed in the ravine until sundown and traveled down the creek to escape back to the Little River Fort, returning days later to bury the fallen.

Written by Dan Elder. Drawings and Design by Susan Sterle

Erected 2024 by Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Bell County Historical Commission, City of Temple, and Texas Rangers. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian.

Location. 31° 6.951′ N, 97° 21.537′ W. Marker is in Temple, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of W Nugent Ave and Merritt Street, on the right when traveling west on W Nugent Ave. This marker is located along a circular walking path with four additional markers

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within the historic site. A State of Texas white granite 1936 Centennial Marker is also located at the site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Temple TX 76504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine (a few steps from this marker); Bird Creek Indian Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chase (within shouting distance of this marker); The Feint - Encirclement of the Rangers (within shouting distance of this marker); Bird Creek Battlefield (approx. 0.8 miles away); First Lutheran Church (approx. one mile away); Immanuel Baptist Church (approx. 1.1 miles

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

2. The Engagement Marker

The view of the marker along the trail with the Texas Historical Commission marker on the far right.

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Temple.

More about this marker. The markers are located on the grounds of the Bird Creek Battleground and Indian Hunting Grounds Historical Site. Parking is not available along the highway; visitors may park in the adjoining subdivision, which provides a walkway to the site.

Also see . . . City of Temple to dedicate new Historical Subject Marker, new location for Bird Creek Indian Battle. kcentv.com - Author: Jacob Wallin (Submitted on December 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 25, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on December 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.