Bird Creek Battleground site dedication to be hosted by the city of Temple

TEMPLE, Texas — The City of Temple is set to host a site dedication on May 28, commemorating the relocation of the Bird Creek Indian Battle 1936 Centennial Marker and the addition of a Texas Historical Subject Marker. The event will underscore the historical significance of the Bird Creek Indian Battle and its participants.

The dedication ceremony will take place at 2110 W Nugent Avenue, near the Willow Glenn Subdivision, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to join the celebration of the new location and the added elements aimed at creating an engaging space for visitors to learn about the Bird Creek Indian Battle, a pivotal historical event in Temple, Texas.

The Bird Creek Indian Battle occurred on May 26, 1839, between the Texas Rangers and a coalition of Caddo, Kickapoo, and Comanche Indians. Both sides sustained significant losses during the conflict. In 1936, the State of Texas erected the Bird Creek Indian Battle Marker to highlight this historic battle.

Previously, the marker was situated near West Nugent Avenue, west of I-35, in an area with limited public access. The City initiated a project to relocate the marker to a more prominent location, allowing more individuals to visit the site and learn about the historical context and state significance of the event.

In addition to the markers, the site also features a park-like design with sidewalks, limestone benches, landscaping, and interpretive panels that help tell the story of the battle.

"This relocation brings the marker closer to the location where the historic battle took place," said Kelly Trietsch Atkinson, the City of Temple's Assistant Director of Planning. "With the improvements we are making to this new site, we hope to create a more accessible and informative historical location that honors the legacy of the Bird Creek Indian Battle."

The event is free and open to the public, with parking available along Merritt Road.