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

Prelude to Battle

Bird Creek Battle & Indian Hunting Ground Site

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

1. Prelude to Battle Marker

Inscription.
Setting the scene:
Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar made a January 1839 call for men to form militias to range the frontier and protect settlers from Indian raids and lawlessness. Two Ranger companies gathered at Ft. Milam near Sarahville de Viesca in the Robertson Colony, now Falls County. Restless and hungry, a group of men mutinied, and Ranger Captain John Bird sought justice. Mounted, he led portions of the two companies toward Bastrop, where Colonel Ed Burleson commanded the Ranger forces. They stopped at the abandoned Little River Fort in what is now Bell County. The party was divided the following day, on Monday, May 25th, 1836 - 12 guards, led by First Lieutenant James Irvine, headed by horseback to Bastrop with the five deserters. Bird and a companion escorted them across the steep river valley and made haste to return to the fort.

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 1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1839.

Location. 31° 6.972′ N, 97° 21.546′ 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: Bird Creek Indian Battle (a few steps from this marker); The Chase (within shouting distance

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

2. Prelude to Battle Marker

The State of Texas marker is in the background.

of this marker); The Engagement (within shouting distance of this marker); The Clash - Pinned Down at the Ravine (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 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.)

Supplemental marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

3. Supplemental marker

The State of Texas 1936 Marker for the Bird Creek Indian Battle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 24, 2025

4. The State of Texas 1936 Marker for the Bird Creek Indian Battle

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 99 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.