Historical Marker

Mound Prairie

Historical marker location:
SH 21, Alto, Texas
( 8 miles west of Alto on SH 21, east side of the road, just west of Caddo Mounds State Historic Site)
Marker installed: 1970
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Bulging out of the earth a few yards form this point, three prehistoric Indian mounds interrupt the prevailing flat terrain. Long overgrown with grass, the mounds and adjacent village (covering about 100 acres) constitute one of the major aboriginal sites in North America. From about 500 to 1100 A.D., Caddoan Indians inhabited the village, which lay near the southwest edge of a great mound-building culture. Called "Mississippian", this culture once flourished throughout the present Eastern United States.

Excavations during 1939-41 and 1968-69 showed two of the mounds to have had ceremonial purposes. One may have been capped with bright yellow clay and both apparently supported temples. The tallest mound (about 20 feet) revealed several major burials.

The village, surrounding the mounds but not settled before they were built, contained many round houses that probably resembled giant beehives. Thousands of pot fragments, some pipes, charred corn cobs and nuts, and flint points were found in the area.

Centuries after its abandonment by the Indians, this region was again a center of civilization when, in 1690, the first Spanish mission in East Texas was built nearby to minister to the Tejas Indians. (1970)

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.

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Texas random facts
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.

In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.

In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cherokee County, Texas.

  • 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
  • 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
  • 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
  • 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
  • 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
  • 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.