Near Merkel in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Vicinity of Indian Fight

Photographed by Duane Hall, September 27, 2014

1. Vicinity of Indian Fight Marker

Inscription. On New Year’s Day, 1871, Indian raiders who had stolen horses in Coleman County were pursued and overtaken here by 18 Texas Rangers and cowboys. Leaders of the group were Captain James M. Swisher and rancher Sam Gholson.
The Indians took refuge in the heights west of Mountain Pass. The ensuing battle lasted all day, and at nightfall the raiders left the horses and fled.
Of the fewer than one dozen Indians, one was killed, several wounded. One cowboy was wounded and another, J.M. Elkins, recorded the battle in his book “Indian Fighting on the Texas Frontier”.

Erected 1968 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5646.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 32° 23.838′ N, 99° 58.296′ W. Marker is near Merkel, Texas, in Taylor County. It is on Farm to Market Road 1235 south of County Road 302, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Merkel TX 79536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Castle Peak (here, next to this marker); Mulberry Canyon (approx. 5.7 miles away); Cornelia Clark Fort

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(approx. 5.7 miles away); Drummond Cemetery (approx. 6 miles away); Camp Barkeley (approx. 6.7 miles away); Butterfield Trail (approx. 6.8 miles away); Butterfield Mail and Stage Line (approx. 6.8 miles away); Mountain Pass Station (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Merkel.

Vicinity of Indian Fight and Castle Peak Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, September 27, 2014

2. Vicinity of Indian Fight and Castle Peak Markers

View to Southeast along<br>Farm to Market Road 1235 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, September 27, 2014

3. View to Southeast along
Farm to Market Road 1235

View to Northwest from Marker Pullout image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, September 27, 2014

4. View to Northwest from Marker Pullout

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,067 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.