MEXIA

Population 7,161

Altitude 534

General

Established 1871, named for Mexican General Jose Antonio Mexia whose family donated townsite. The general first served under Santa Anna, but later joined an uprising against the Mexican dictator. The rebellion failed, and the city's namesake died before a firing squad.

Natural gas discovered nearby in 1912; oil gusher blew in nine years later. Resulting boom brought rowdy period marked by violence and martial law. As in most cases, the boom faded quickly, and Mexia today is a small, quiet city devoted to modern agriculture, oil and gas production.

CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE PARK

FORT PARKER STATE PARK

OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE

TEHUACANA HILLS

Attractions

• CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE PARK-Site of reunions of Confederate States of America veterans from 1889 till 1946. Historic features include 1872 Heritage House, the 1893 dance pavilion, Mordecai Yell's two-story log cabin, and CSA cannon. Scenic nature trails with footbridges, fishing in Navasota River, picnicking. Open daylight hours. Six mi. south on Texas 14, 3 mi. west on F.M. 2705 (not shown on most maps).
• FORT PARKER STATE PARK-1,485 acres of wooded and open park land offer natural beauty, varied recreational opportunities. On Navasota River and 750-acre Lake Springfield. Camping, fishing, swimming, nature study. Nearby is restored Old fort Parker (see below). State Park is 5 miles southwest on Texas 14, Park road 28. Admission.
• OLD FORT PARKER STATE HISTORIC SITE-Established 1834 by Silas and James Parker and other members of the family of Elder John Parker. The private fort was to protect a settlement of eight or nine families. However, in 1836 a mass attack by several hundred Comanches overran fort, killing five of Parker family and carrying into captivity five persons including Cynthia Ann Parker, then 9 years old. She grew up, married a Comanche chief, and lived with the Indians until captured with her two-year-old daughter, Prairie Flower, 24 years later in 1860. She was mother of the last great Comanche chief, Quanah Parker. Cynthia Ann never became reconciled to her forced return to the life of her white kinsmen and tried several times to escape. Unhappy and virtual prisoners, both she and her daughter died about four years after they were separated from the wild, free life of the Comanche. Restored in 1936 and again in 1967, old fort has pioneer memorabilia, authentic log blockhouses and stockade. Open daylight hours; closed Mon. & Tues. Eight miles southwest on Texas 14, Park Road 35. Admission.
• TEHUACANA HILLS-Highest point between Houston and Dallas, a focal point of history for nearly 200 years. In 1797 Philip Nolan's trading expedition found peaceful Tehuacana Indians farming here. Fierce Cherokees destroyed farming tribe around 1830. Tehuacana Academy, organized 1852, provided incentive for founding of Trinity Univ., now located in San Antonio. Silvery towered former administration building dominates the site

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