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 month for this entry is July 1923.
Location. 33° 44.655′ N, 102° 45.547′ W. Marker is near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Morton Memorial Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Cochran County (approx. 1.3 miles away); Quanah Parker Trail (approx. 1.4 miles away); Slaughter Ranch Headquarters (approx. 3.7 miles away); Enochs Cemetery (approx. 8.8 miles away); La Pista de Vida Agua (approx. 11.6 miles away); Maple Cemetery (approx. 11.8 miles away); Former Whiteface Motel (approx. 13 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morton.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
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 March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,222 times since then and 300 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.
