Temple in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Feint - Encirclement of the Rangers
Bird Creek Battle & Indian Hunting Ground Site
Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025
1. The Feint - Encirclement of the Rangers Marker
Inscription.
The Feint - Encirclement of the Rangers. Bird Creek Battle and Indian Hunting Ground Site. The chase continued for another three miles, and the captain ordered a charge. The Rangers' horses were weighed down, so the lighter, quicker Indians outran them, and the tired mounts of the Rangers could not keep up. Deeper into unsettled land, the Ranger captain called for a retreat. A Comanche battle tactic was the feint, where the leader sends a few warriors ahead of the main body as decoys to lure the Rangers into an ambush. They would wait until the Rangers were within distance, then strike from concealment showering them with arrows, and such was the fate of Bird and his men. As the Rangers retreated they rode straight into a larger band of Indians, about 200, consisting of Comanche, Caddo, and Kickapoo who were on the grounds which you are standing now., Written by Dan Elder. Drawings and Design by Susan Sterte.
The chase continued for another three miles, and the captain ordered a charge. The Rangers' horses were weighed down, so the lighter, quicker Indians outran them, and the tired mounts of the Rangers could not keep up. Deeper into unsettled land, the Ranger captain called for a retreat. A Comanche battle tactic was the feint, where the leader sends a few warriors ahead of the main body as decoys to lure the Rangers into an ambush. They would wait until the Rangers were within distance, then strike from concealment showering them with arrows, and such was the fate of Bird and his men. As the Rangers retreated they rode straight into a larger band of Indians, about 200, consisting of Comanche, Caddo, and Kickapoo who were on the grounds which you are standing now.
Written by Dan Elder. Drawings and Design by Susan Sterte.
Erected 2024 by Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Bell County Historical Commission, City of Temple, and Texas Rangers. (Marker Number 3.)
97° 21.569′ 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 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 Chase (a few steps from this marker); The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Engagement (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to Battle (within
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.
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 56 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
