In the late 1600's, the Indians, we now know as the Comanche, procured horses from the Spanish and Pueblo Indians. The Comanche became great horsemen and were an example of the first light cavalry, some experts say the greatest light cavalry ever. Their superior horsemanship gave them an advantage over their foe.
There were a few things these immigrants had to take care of to shape the territory in a way that it would more closely reflect their idea of how things should be. There was the little detail of the Jumano, Pueblo and a few Apache Indians who already lived on the Llano Estacado before the Comanche got there. The Comanche must have been some pretty fierce fighters to intimidate the Apache. Somehow this loose knit group was able to dominate the area until the late 1800's when their practice of kidnapping, enslaving and then selling people back to their relatives, or anyone that would pay for them, finally caught up with the Comanche.
Something to remember is; the Comanche were not one great tribe. They were more like bikers in that they had their smaller bands and only came together under one leader to fight a mutual enemy. Once they had the victory in hand they went their separate ways again. It is estimated there were about a dozen bands of Comanche who lived, loved and died on the Llano Estacado.
John Duncan offered Comanche county 240 acres of land to be used for the county seat. Ransom Tuggle laid out the town and T.J. Nabors built the first house. The new town replaced Cora as the county seat in May 1959. To this day the town has flourished about as well as any small Texas town and has much to offer a visitor.
Comanche County Historical Museum
The museum, located on Moorman Rd, is open on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 2 - 4 P.M. They have many artifacts housed in a replica of a frontier store. Most notable may be the replica of the John Wright Saloon where the notorious Texas gunslinger John Wesley Hardin had a little tiff with a Brown County Sheriff and shot him dead. Hardin was captured, convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. The museum's catalog number is; 325.356.5115.
April 10, 11, 12 2009
I don't know where y'all will be on those dates but if you wanted to see me you'll have to ride down to Comanche, Texas and register for the 36th Annual Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association State Rally held in the Comanche City Park. Better yet, go to T.M.R.A. and sign up now.
What to see?
If you are going to ride to Comanche then my recommendation is to set aside a little time to visit the Regency Bridge. If any of y'all watch Texas Country Reporter then y'all know 'what bridge' I am talking about.
The bridge is located on the Mills/San Saba county line. The present day suspension bridge was built in 1939 after devastating calamities demolished two previous bridges.
The first time I visited the bridge a Studebaker car club was taking a run over the bridge. You just never know what you'll see on that bridge. It is a great place for a picnic. Pack a little snack and head on over there.
Well Buckaroos, time to take Granny to the barn, clean her up and plan my next ride. Don't just sit there dreaming about it - you have a State Rally to go to. I sure hope to see y'all there!
