Crockett's Bounty

Historical marker location:
2900 Temple Hall Highway, FM 167, Granbury, Texas
( From intersection of US 377 and FM 167, go north. Marker is on the north-bound side of FM 167 (no pull-off area))
Marker installed: 2003
Marker size: 27" x 42"

David (Davy) Crockett (1786-1836), famed frontiersman and congress-man, came to Texas from Tennessee in early 1836. He signed a pledge of allegiance to the provisional Texian government and proceeded to San Antonio de Béxar, besieged by the Mexican Army during the Texas Revolution. Crockett reached the Alamo in early February, just weeks before Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna arrived with troops. Crockett died with the other Alamo defenders on March 6, 1836, and the battle inspired Texas forces. For Crockett’s service and sacrifice to the Texas Revolution, his heirs received almost 1,300 acres of land. In 1853, 17 years after her husband’s death, Elizabeth (Patton) Crockett, and sons, George Patton and Robert Crockett, arrived to claim Crockett’s bounty. They received land in this area and contracted with William L. Mitchell to locate and survey the acreage, exchanging half for his service. Here the Crocketts, later joined by other family members, built at least two log cabins and began clearing and farming the land. After Elizabeth’s death in 1860, the Crocketts continued to live on the property, later subdividing and selling it. The final tract sold in 1889, but the family remained active in the community, with grandson Ashley Crockett operating area newspapers. Subsequent owners of Crockett’s bounty included John Berry, a cattleman, and James Travis Shirley, whose family established the Rocky Point School, a chapel and a baptismal pool on the property. During the Great Depression, John Ward Harrison established a dairy on the land, providing jobs for many workers. In the 1940s, Herbert Calhoun began a cattle and quarter horse operation on Crockett’s bounty, continuing the legacy of the land and its stewards

  A brief timeline of the Texas Revolution
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.

  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.

  • 1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.

  • 1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.

  • 1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.

  • 1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.

  • October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.

  • November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

  • December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.

  • March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.

  • March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.

  • March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.

  • April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.

  • May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.

  • October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.

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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The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Hood County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning centuries. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache. European settlement began in the 1850s when the Texas legislature established Hood County in 1866, named after Confederate General John Bell Hood.

The county quickly grew as settlers arrived, and Granbury, the county seat, was founded in 1867. Throughout the late 1800s, Hood County experienced significant developments in infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and the arrival of the railroad. These advancements facilitated trade and brought newfound prosperity to the area.

The late 19th century also witnessed the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction era on Hood County. Former slaves were granted freedoms, and the county's demographics started to shift. The farming and ranching industries flourished, with cattle becoming a primary economic driver.

In the 20th century, Hood County continued to grow and adapt. With the advent of the automobile, transportation improved and helped connect the county with surrounding areas. The county's economy diversified, incorporating industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Today, Hood County is known for its natural beauty, historic downtown areas, and vibrant community, attracting tourists and new residents alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hood County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Hood County is established on January 25.
  • 1860s - The community of Hood County is primarily settled by Anglo-Americans.
  • 1867 - The town of Granbury is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1875 - The city of Granbury is incorporated.
  • 1885 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Granbury.
  • 1890s - Hood County experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
  • 1921 - The Hood County Courthouse is built.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Hood County, causing financial hardship for many residents.
  • 1947 - Lake Granbury is created by the construction of De Cordova Bend Dam.
  • 1970 - The Hood County Historical Museum is established.
  • 1990s - Hood County sees significant population growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.