Historical Marker

William Becknell

Historical marker location:
Clarksville, Texas
( Six miles west of Clarksville on highway 82 first branch bottom east of the road side park on highway 82 and 150 yards north of the Becknell Cemetery)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

WILLIAM BECKNELL

WILLIAM BECKNELL, KNOWN AS THE “FATHER OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL,” WAS AN AMERICAN FRONTIER SOLDIER, TRADER, FARMER, RANCHER AND POLITICIAN. BECKNELL WAS BORN IN VIRGINIA IN 1787 OR 1788 TO MICAJAH AND PHEBY (LANDRUM) BECKNELL. HE MARRIED IN 1807 AND MOVED TO THE MISSOURI FRONTIER IN 1811. HE SERVED DURING THE WAR OF 1812. THE FOLLOWING SPRING, HE JOINED DANIEL MORGAN BOONE’S COMPANY OF UNITED STATES MOUNTED RANGERS AS A FIRST SERGEANT AND FOUGHT UNDER THE COMMAND OF MAJOR ZACHARY TAYLOR IN THE BATTLE OF CREDIT ISLAND IN IOWA IN 1814.

AFTER THE WAR AND THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE, BECKNELL MARRIED AGAIN AND, IN 1821, ORGANIZED A TRADING PARTY TO CROSS THE GREAT PLAINS TO MEXICO. BECAUSE OF INFORMATION GIVEN TO HIM BY MEXICAN SOLDIERS, BECKNELL WAS THE FIRST U.S. TRADER TO ARRIVE IN SANTA FE AFTER MEXICO WON ITS INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN AND, THEREFORE, “OPENED” LEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRADE. FROM 1825-27, BECKNELL PLAYED AN IMPORTANT BUT UNOFFICIAL ROLE IN THE SIBLEY SURVEY ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS TO MARK THE SANTA FE TRAIL. IN 1827 HE WAS APPOINTED JUSTICE OF THE PEACE IN SALINE COUNTY, MISSOURI AND THEN WAS ELECTED TO THE MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

IT WASN’T UNTIL 1835 THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY MOVED TO RED RIVER COUNTY WHERE HE COMMANDED A MILITIA UNIT KNOWN AS THE RED RIVER BLUES TO PROTECT SETTLERS FROM RAIDING NATIVE AMERICANS. BECKNELL BECAME CAPTAIN AND HIS MEN WERE GUARDIANS OF RED RIVER COUNTY UNTIL 1842. HE WAS APPOINTED TO SUPERVISE THE TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS IN 1845 AND THE U.S. CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS IN 1846. WHEN HE PASSED IN 1856, HE HAD A SIZABLE ESTATE IN LAND AND CATTLE NAMED BECKNELL’S PRAIRIE, AND WAS KNOWN AS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

pioneers military topics
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Red River County, Texas has a rich and varied history that dates back to before the arrival of European settlers. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Wichita, who thrived off the land's abundant natural resources. In the early 19th century, the region became an important center of trade and commerce due to its location along the Red River, serving as a crucial crossing point for settlers moving westward.

The county was officially established in 1835 and named after the iconic Red River that flows along its eastern border. During the Texas Revolution, Red River County played a significant role as a hub for communications and supply lines. The Battle of Jonesborough, fought here in 1837, marked an important victory for Texan forces and secured the area as a part of the Republic of Texas.

Throughout the 19th century, the county continued to grow and develop, with agriculture becoming a major industry. Cotton became the primary crop, and the county boasted numerous plantations, which relied heavily on enslaved labor. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought further economic prosperity to the area, leading to a boom in oil production.

In the modern era, Red River County has evolved into a primarily rural and agricultural community, with farming, ranching, and timber production being the main economic activities. The county also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing and hunting, due to its picturesque landscapes and natural assets. Today, Red River County takes pride in its unique history and continues to honor its cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Red River County, Texas.

  • 1835 - Red River County established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1840 - Population of the county reaches around 1,500
  • 1841 - Clarksville becomes the county seat
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state
  • 1861 - Start of the American Civil War
  • 1871 - Red River County Courthouse constructed
  • 1876 - Population of the county reaches around 10,000
  • 1890 - Introduction of railroad in the county
  • 1930s - Great Depression hits Red River County hard, causing economic hardships
  • 1960s - Construction of the Pat Mayse Lake reservoir
  • 2010 - Red River County's population stands at around 12,860