Indian Camp Branch

Located along an old buffalo trail, this creek was once fed by a spring and was a favorite camping place for Indian hunting parties. James Shaw (1808-1879), a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836), named it Indian Camp Branch to honor the hospitality of a band of friendly Tonkawa Indians he encountered near this site in 1837. Shaw built a cabin in this area and was soon joined by other Anglo-American settlers. A teacher surveyor and postmaster, Shaw also served as a senator and representative in congresses of the Republic and State of Texas.

Texas · United States