Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

The Parker fort, established in Central Texas near the present town of Groesbeck was a ‘sitting duck’ which was, due to the ignorance of Cynthia Ann’s ancestors was situated in a dangerous, if not fatal place.

I am not sure that any analysis of why it was overrun with Comanches soon after It was finished and the men were out in the field trying to farm where they were unable to retreat to the fort’s safety in time to put up a fight and possibly survive.

First, the fort, which might have been adequate, was situated square on a century old Comanche trail and crossing of a nearby river. This meant there would always be Comanches travelling this route to visit agarian tribes further to trade with agricultural tribes.

The Comanches believed this was their country. In Texas, there are still
Comanche ‘marker trees’ that have been purposefully bent over and tied
down to mark a suitable river crossing, similar to that near the Parker fort.

Second, there had been reports of unscrupulous white traders giving counterfeit currency to some Comanches who were trading in good faith, and this was not forgotten.

Next, there had been a massacre of Comanche old men, women, and children about 20 miles east of the Parker fort, this act of atrocity was carried out by Spanish soldiers, but that made no difference to the Comanches. This did not
mean they were defenseless, Comanche women could shoot pistols and rifles
as well as men and often did to protect their families and camps.

Finally, the Parkers should have been much more cautious and have ‘lookouts’ posted as a precaution. They knew they were in dangerous area, or they would not have erected a walled fort at their settlement. In short, in retrospect it looks like they were just asking for an attack. But it is too late when your scalp in hanging on some warrior’s belt and your body being eaten by buzzards!

Not all the Parker children kidnapped survived nor ever heard from again. Cyntia Ann survived brutal treatment and survived only because she was very young and resilient. The Comanche suffered from very low birth rates and would kidnap children from both Texas settlers and from children in Mexico. From all indications they recognized this problem and tried to use kidnapped children as an answer.

When Cynthia Ann and her daughter were found by the Texas Rangers and returned to her family, she was always wanting to return to her Comanche world. Once when a neighbor killed a cow for beef, she asked if she and her daughter
might have some small pieces. When given permission, Cynthia Ann stepped in and cut of a piece of liver and began to eat it raw while dancing and singing praises to their Comanche god. It grossed out all the Texans but was a normal ritual for Comanches! Just Sayin…RJS

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

This entire country belongs to the native Americans it was stolen from them
If the leaders had a any dignity they would give the land back

EZ Fishing Loc: College Ward, Utah

Thanks for the story Robert. It is greatly appreciated.

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

Read the novel Ride The Wind it tell the story of Cynthia Ann Parker and the sad history of the fall of the Comanche Nation and Cynthia’s son Quana Parker the only Native American who made office in the White House also the fall of General G Custer

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Also, Comanche Moon is a good read. Just Sayin....RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Dtong: your solution is to give the land back. But to which tribe, the Comanches were a small and insignificant tribe of root diggers in Nebraska or Kansas. They only rose to power when the horses escaped the Spanish and began to flourish on the high plains. After horses became plentiful, the Comanches then capitalized on the speed and wide range afforded them by this new method of travel and warfare. With the horse becoming both a means of faster travel and warfare, the Comanches the stole an area that would cover most of several states of the U.S.

There is no going back. Settlers and others did terrible things to Native American tribes, even to introducing their
communicable diseases to kill them off! The conflict between European culture and warfare with Native Americans
was s irreversible culture clash, but it cannot be reversed. Just Sayin...RJS

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Interesting story RJS, thanks for posting.

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

This very true Robert what you are saying
Just saying it would be nice if something good 👍 could be done from the damaged that has been done to suck A interesting culture in general speaking of all the Native American people

Bobfromfremont Loc: Fremont Ca

We can’t go back but we can make things better for them, Native American
Gaming for example

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I think that is already having an effect. Those casinos owned by tribes seem to be doing quite well, and bringing in a lot of revenue. Both in Louisiana and Texas. Just Sayin...RJS

Sport Loc: Sacramento county north. California

See " No resting place" don't know the author. A powerful novel. Grandfather telling grandson of the trail of tears.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

Wow RJS! Thanks for sharing another great story. I am as white as white can be but have just bought a small cabin in Northern Wisconsin near Hayward in the heart of Musky country there. I agree that we really can't go back. And I believe things are slowly getting better for our Native American or First Nation brothers and sisters. I have many friends up there that are Native and I attend the Pow Wows, etc. But I still see plenty of racism toward these people.
That is not right. We hear all about racism every day in the news, but rarely are these folks considered in those discussions. We just all have to do our part and help to make that go away someday.
Regardless, RJS. I love your tales.
Take care. God Bless.