West Arlington in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Village Creek
Photographed by Joe Lotz, July 12, 2026
1. Village Creek Marker
Archeological excavations along the course of this Trinity River tributary have unearthed evidence of several prehistoric villages. Artifacts from the area date back almost 9,000 years and represent a culture of food-gatherers and hunters.
In the 1830s the Creek served as a sanctuary for several Indian tribes who made frequent raids on frontier settlements. The conflict grew worse in 1841 when major attacks were reported in Fannin and Red River Counties.
Brigadier General Edward H. Tarrant (1796-1858) of the Republic of Texas Militia led a company of volunteers in a punitive expedition against Indian villages in this area. On May 24, 1841, following brief skirmishes at several encampments, two scouting patrols were attacked near the mouth of the Creek and retreated to the main camp. Reportedly twelve Indians and one soldier, Captain John B. Denton, were killed.
As result of the Battle of Village Creek, many tribes began moving west. Others were later removed under terms of the 1843 Treaty signed at Bird's Fort (10 mi. NE) which opened the area to colonization. Much of the battle site is now located beneath the waters of Lake Arlington.
Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5654.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical date for this entry is May 24, 1841.
Location. 32° 43.314′ N, 97° 11.185′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is in West Arlington. It is at the intersection of West Pioneer Parkway and W Green Oaks Blvd on West Pioneer Parkway. This is located on the 7th hole tee of the Lake Arlington Golf Course. Ask permission from the clubhouse to visit. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5301 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington
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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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: General Edward H. Tarrant (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.D. Hollis Cemetery (approx. 1.6 miles away); Handley Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Top O' Hill Terrace (approx. 2 miles away); Handley Church of Christ (approx. 2 miles away); The Handley Power Plant and Lake Erie (approx. 2 miles away); Site of Fort Worth-Dallas Interurban (approx. 2 miles away); Handley United Methodist Church (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 12, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?
