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

The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine

Bird Creek Battle & Indian Hunting Ground Site

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

1. The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine Marker

Inscription. Indian warriors mingled among the Rangers while they quickly surrounded them at the summit of a high ridge. The groups came into close quarters, and the parties clashed in this second skirmish. One eyewitness later reported that the warriors were "hurling arrows upon us from every direction." The Rangers made haste toward a ravine 600 yards away. Indians surrounded the ravine, and Ranger Private H.M.C. Hall was mortally injured with an arrow when he hesitated in dismounting along the banks of the ravine. Speaking English to the Rangers, an Indian chief taunted the men, and a Ranger shot him. Another battle ensued, during which a brave made a miraculous 200-yard shot with an arrow that struck and killed Captain Bird; also fallen were Sergeant William H. Weaver and Jesse E. Nash.

Written by Dan Elder. Drawings and Design by Susan Sterle
Photographs by Jason Deckman. Photos taken of the collections of The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Erected 2024 by Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Bell County Historical Commission, City of Temple, and Texas Rangers. (Marker Number 4.)

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

Location. 31° 6.944′ N, 97° 21.545′ W. Marker is in Temple, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of West Nugent Avenue and Merritt Street, on the right when traveling west on West Nugent Avenue. This marker is located along a circular walking path with four additional markers within the historic site. A State of Texas white granite 1936 Centennial Marker is also located at the site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2018 W Nugent Ave, 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

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States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Engagement (a few steps from this marker); The Chase (within shouting distance of this marker); The Feint - Encirclement of the Rangers (within shouting distance of this marker); Bird Creek Indian Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to Battle (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 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.)

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

2. The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine Marker

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

3. The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine Marker

The marker is next to the stone block bench on the right.

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 85 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.