Texas History Buffs: Explore the Caddo Mounds and More

Alto, Texas — A trip to the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site offers a glimpse into the lives of Native Americans who once inhabited East Texas. The site, about 30 miles west of Nacogdoches, is one of the few places in Texas where visitors can imagine the daily lives of Native Americans. The site includes three mounds, a garden, a conical grass replica dwelling, open prairie paths, and an interpretive center, which was rebuilt after a tornado in 2019.

Texas historian Michael Barnes recommends several books to learn more about the Caddo and other Native American cultures, including:

• "Caddo Mounds: State Historic Site" by Timothy Pertula and others, a 60-page guide to the history and archaeology of the site.
• "Peace Came in the Form of a Woman" by Juliana Barr, which explores the role of women as exemplars of peace in matrilineal Caddo culture.
• "Indigenous Continent" by Pekka Hämäläinen, challenging the "Colonial Period" narrative and arguing for an "Indigenous Period" well into the 19th century.
• "Unworthy Republic" by Claudio Saunt, documenting the expulsion of Eastern Native Americans and reflecting on the ultimate consignment of the Caddo to Indian Territory.
• "The Conquest of Texas" by Gary Clayton Anderson, detailing Texas' tragic history of native expulsion and extermination.
• "Indian Place-Names" by John Rydjord, imparting insight into the customs and meanings of Indigenous place names.

Hometown Histories:

• Abilene: November is Native American Heritage Month.
• Amarillo: Remembering Adobe Walls' 150th anniversary.
• Austin: Thanking the Tonkawa for saving the capital.
• Corpus Christi: Examining Native American remains removal.
• El Paso: Celebrate Tigua cultural day.
• Lubbock: Caprock Chronicles: Lipan Apaches.
• San Angelo: Uncovering American Indian footprints in West Texas.
• Wichita Falls: History lessons close to home.

Texas Fun Fact:

In 1960, María Chata Sada, a pioneer businesswoman, attended a ceremony at Big Bend National Park. Sada, who owned a trading post, general store, cafe, and hotel in Boquillas, Texas, was known for her hospitality and services in the isolated region. She was celebrated by ranchmen, cowhands, and business people, and her story was featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Read more Texas Day by Day stories from the Texas Historical Association.

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Happy trails,

Michael Barnes, Columnist