March 31-April 12: Camp West of the Brazos River. Camp on the west side of the Brazos, opposite Groce's Plantation. Historical Marker is titled "Sam Houston's Camp, West of the Brazos" and is located 9 miles NE of Bellville on SH 159, then right on CR 2 miles. The marker is on private property. Archeological work has confirmed this site.

Houston's, Sam, Camp West of the Brazos Marker Title: Sam Houston's Camp West of the Brazos Address: City: Bellville vicinity County: Austin Year Marker Erected: 1990 Designations: na Marker Location: from Bellville take SH 159 northeast about 9 miles, then take County road (right) southeast about 2 miles (Private Poss. underwater) Marker Text: (March 31-April 13, 1836) At the end of March 1836, following the defeat of Texan forces at the Alamo and at Goliad, the retreating Texas army led by Gen. Sam Houston encamped at this site. While in camp here Houston's forces were reorganized and received much needed reinforcements and supplies, including the "Twin Sisters," a pair of cannon. After training his soldiers here for two weeks, Houston led them across the river in pursuit of the Mexican army, which they engaged and defeated on April 21 in the Battle of San Jacinto, the final battle of the Texas Revolution. (1990)

Colonel Alexander Horton's fact-based fictional dispatch (more, more, more) from this camp gives the flavor of the place and time.

Forward to next camp site, back to the previous camp site, go to the complete campsite listings or return to the route map.

8.30.01