TEXAS ROAD

Throughout my trip thru the Indian Territory, there are frequent references to the "Texas Road."  It was an early trail across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri.  Known also as the Shawnee Trail, Sedalia Trail or the Kansas Trail, it was the major route to Texas across the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Nations in the Indian Territory. 

Established during the Mexican War by those moving to Texas, it was the earliest route used to move cattle north and played a significant role in the history of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas in the early and mid-1800s.

Basically the road came up from Texas from Austin, Waco, and Dallas and crossed the Red River at Preston, TX - a little northwest of present day Denison TX.  It went north along the eastern edge of what became Oklahoma, a route later followed closely by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Railroad.  The road followed along the trails used by the Indians, hunting parties, and by settlers heading to Texas.

Just north of Fort Gibson, OK, the trail branched out and led to the Missouri towns of St. Louis, Sedalia, Independence, and Westport, the other led to the Kansas towns of Baxter Springs, Fort Scott and other towns along eastern Kansas up to Kansas City.  Several stations were set up along the road where travelers could rest, not only themselves, but their horses and livestock. 

 

During the Civil War the cattle drives ceased to use the trail as the population and towns along the trail increased and new cattle trails were opened further west.  During the Civil War, both sides used the road to move supplies and troops. Union and Confederate forces fought over control of the road.  The Battle of Honey Springs and Battle of Baxter Springs took place on and about control of this road.

The Texas Road eventually became part of US Route 69.

This marker is on the road north of Fort Gibson.

TEXAS ROAD

The most ancient and important trail through Oklahoma

THREE FORKS

At the head of navigation of the Verdigris River the oldest trading post in Oklahoma dating from 1812

 CREEK & OSAGE

Indian Agencies on the east and west banks of the river below the falls of the Verdigris in buildings acquired from Col. A.P. Chouteau in 1828

THE FIRST PARTY

Of emigrating Creek Indians were landed here in February 1828 between here and Fort Gibson.  Sam Houston resided during his stay with the Cherokee Indians 1829-1832

IRVING TRAIL

Near this spot on October 10, 1832 Washington Irving forded the river on his tour of the prairies.