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Old Fort Parker Park |
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RR 3 Box 746
Groesbeck TX 76642
254/729-5253
Note: This facility is operated by the City of Groesbeck and is not under
T.P.W.D. control. Please call Old Fort Parker at 254/729-5253 for more details.
History: Old Fort Parker, a 37.5-acre park between Groesbeck and Mexia in
Limestone County, was deeded by private owners in 1936 and was rebuilt again in
1967. The original construction of the park was by the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC). It is now managed by the City of Groesbeck. It was the site of the
abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker (mother of Quanah Parker) on May 19, 1836, by
Comanche Indians.
Old Fort Parker is a reconstructed fort that pays tribute to the Parker family
and other pioneers who paid a high price to settle in Texas. The Parkers and
other members of their church came to Texas from Crawford County, Illinois in
1833. In 1832, Daniel Parker, a staunch theologian, had gained permission to
settle in Texas. After organizing those who wanted to go to Texas into the
Predestinarian Baptist Church, they all left Illinois in July of 1833 in ox-
drawn wagons. Daniel and the majority of his followers settled near the present
City of Elkhart, where a replica of their Pilgrim Baptist Church still stands in
their memory. Other members of the group preferred to settle farther west, near
the Navasota River. Elder John Parker and three of his sons (Silas, James, and
Benjamin) began in December 1833 to clear land and to construct "Parker's Fort."
On May 19, 1836, Comanche Indians attacked the fort; 5 were killed, 5 were
captured, and the 21 survivors made their way to where Palestine is today. The
most famous of the captives was Cynthia Ann Parker. She adapted to Indian ways
and later married Chief Peta Nocona. Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche
chief, who was involved in the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon, was the most famous
of their three children.
The Fort Parker Cemetery, located 2.2 miles from the Fort, is an active cemetery
and has the graves of the people killed at the Fort in 1836.
Activities: Activities include historical study and picnicking. Visitors can
explore cabins, climb the blockhouse, and recapture the atmosphere of that
fateful spring day in 1836.
Special Events: Living History events are scheduled throughout the year; contact
the park for details.
Christmas at the Fort the 2nd weekend of December
Fall Trailride the 3rd weekend of September
Spring Rendezvous (pre-1840) in April
Fall of Fort Ceremony in May
Scottish Highlanders Camp (1800s) 1st week of February
Spring Trailride the 1st week of April
Thanksgiving trailride - Indian Day of Sharing - Fall
Summer Night - lst Saturday night in June
Special Activity by appointment: Primitive Skills classes/campout. Call or write
the park for information; groups welcome.
Tours: A self-guided, interpretive fort tour is available and fees apply.
Facilities: Facilities include the replica of the stockade fort and restrooms
without showers. Water, restrooms, and fire rings furnished; electrical hookups
available. Call or write the park to reserve. Primitive camping fee. Activity
Building available June 2000.
Directions: To reach the park, take State Highway 14 out of Groesbeck four miles
north to Park Road 35 to park headquarters.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information: Elevation: 500. Weather: Average
January minimum 34; average July maximum 95; average annual rainfall 38.3. Open:
The park is open daily, except for Christmas Day and New Years Day. Admission
fee charged.
This facility is operated by the City of Groesbeck is not under T.P.W.D.
control. Please call Old For Parker at 254/729-5253 for more details
Area Attractions: Nearby are Fort Parker State Park, Confederate Reunion Grounds
State Historic Site, Lake Limestone, and Lake Mexia.
For more details, call the City of Groesbeck. For information on other state
parks, call Park Information at 1-800-792-1112. |
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