Near Chandler in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
John Crane
Following the Texas Revolution, Crane remained with the army. While Republic of Texas president Sam Houston encouraged settlers to coexist with Native American tribes, Mirabeau B. Lamar's subsequent administration took steps to remove the Indians from the land. The resulting conflicts became known as the Cherokee War. It culminated in the 1839 Battle of the Neches, fought in Henderson and Van Zandt counties. Communication had broken down between representatives of the Republic and Chief Bowles (or Duwali) of the Cherokee tribe. Companies under the leadership of Kelsey H. Douglass, Edward Burleson and Gen. Thomas J. Rusk engaged Bowles' forces on July 15, 1839, on what is today known as Battle Creek. John Crane and a Doctor Rogers were both killed. The fighting continued the following day, when Chief Bowles was also killed. His death led to the eventual expulsion of his people from Texas. Crane and Rogers are believed to be buried in unmarked graves outside of Chandler on part of the battlefield (now private property).
Although some elements of Crane's military service are unknown, including his military rank, he remains an important figure in Texas history. Today, he is remembered as a patriot and early settler, a pioneer in the Republic of Texas.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12952.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Native Americans • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1886.
Location. 32° 18.375′ N, 95° 29.354′ W. Marker is near Chandler, Texas, in Henderson County. Marker is on State Highway 31, 0.2 miles west of Parker Street (County Road 3302), on the left when traveling west. Marker is located in Arlie McCain Memorial Park, just west of Chandler on SH 31. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chandler TX 75758, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Yarborough House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cherokee Exodus from Texas (approx. 1.2 miles away); Rock Hill Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); County Line Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 4˝ miles away); The Major John Dean House (approx. 4.8 miles away); Wood-Verner Cemetery (approx. 6 miles away); The Antioch Rosenwald School (approx. 6.8 miles away); Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chandler.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to the Battle of the Neches.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,712 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. 3. submitted on November 7, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.