Near Morton in Cochran County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
1. Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877 Marker
African American troops, known as Buffalo Soldiers, were vital in defending the Texas frontier. On July 26, 1877 Buffalo Soldiers from Co. A of the 10th Cavalry began to pursue a Comanche party. During the pursuit, the Comanches led the troops away from water holes as the expedition traveled through Cochran and other counties. After several days without water, Capt. Nicholas Nolan led his dehydrated soldiers and remaining animals back to Double Lakes in Lynn County; they arrived on July 30, having gone 86 hours without water. Several soldiers left camp in search of water and four died during the expedition: Pvt. John H. Bonds; Pvt. Isaac Derwin; Pvt. John Isaacs; and Pvt. John T. Gordon.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14745.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Buffalo Soldiers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 26, 1877.
Location. 33° 44.655′ N, 102° 45.547′ W. Marker is near Morton, Texas, in Cochran County. It is on State Highway 214 1.3 miles north of Washington Avenue (State Highway 114), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morton TX 79346, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Texas’ South Plains. It is also on the American Great Plains and specifically on the Southern Plains. 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.
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Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
2. Buffalo Soldier Tragedy of 1877 Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
3. Pvt. John T. Gordon, Buffalo Soldier
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
4. Pvt. Isaac Derwin, Buffalo Soldier
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
5. Pvt. John Isaacs, Buffalo Soldier
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014
6. Pvt. John H. Bonds, Buffalo Soldier
Photographed by Allen Lowrey, February 27, 2021
7. Nearby sign shows 14080 instead of the 14745 listed in the THC Atlas for this marker
The number 14080 is not assigned to any marker in the TCH system.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,998 times since then and 293 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 12, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 7. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
