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by Chris Twing

This Texas Centennial Marker shows where Texas Rangers intercepted Mexican officials aligned with Native Americans (primarily Cherokee) to cause another Texas Revolution. The alliance was formed in an effort for Mexico to regain their territory and the Cherokee to obtain title to the land they had come to inhabit near Nacogdoches in northeast Texas. 

In the late summer of 1838 Nacogdoches citizens uncovered a plot that came to be known as the Córdova Rebellion. Prior to Texas independence this area had been primarily inhabited by residents of Hispanic descent and Native Americans, mainly Cherokee, who had moved into the area from elsewhere. Once Texas became independent, citizens of the U.S. moved in and the previous residents were not happy.

Republic of Texas President, Sam Houston, met with the Cherokee’s Principal Chief, Chief Bowl, and the two men came to an agreement. The Cherokee would receive title to their land between the Angelina and Sabine Rivers northwest of Old San Antonio Road in exchange for remaining neutral during the Texas Revolution.

Once Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, the Texas Senate refused to ratify the treaty. This led the Cherokee to look for other ways to gain title to their land and into an alliance with the Mexican government.

On May 15, 1839 a company of Texas Rangers led by Lt. James O. Rice (of Bagdad, now Leander) began following Manuel Flores, an emissary of the Mexican government, and a small group of men. Two days later the Rangers intercepted the Flores party near the banks of the North San Gabriel River where fighting ensued. Flores was killed and the rest of his party fled, leaving behind horses, mules, and baggage.

Within Flores parties’ belongings was correspondence encouraging the Native Americans to harass the Texians and letters addressed to Vicente Córdova and Chief Bowl. While President Sam Houston believed Chief Bowl when he denied involvement with the Mexican Government, Vice President Lamar did not. This ultimately led to the removal of the Cherokee from Texas.  

Sources:

William L. Mann, “San Gabriels, Battle of the,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 11, 2020, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/san-gabriels-battle-of-the.

Anonymous, “Cherokee War,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 11, 2020, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/cherokee-war.

Rebecca J. Herring, “Córdova Rebellion,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 11, 2020, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/cordova-rebellion.

Dianna Everett, “Bowl,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 11, 2020, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/bowl.