Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 4

Jonesboro Memorial - Author's Picture

Another feature of the park is a monument to the now non-existent town of Jonesboro. It's not even a ghost town. It's just gone, washed away in a flood.

About half a mile NW was 19th century town of

Jonesboro

One of first ports of entry

into Texas for Anglo-Americans.

Opened early as 1814; heavily used by 1817. Named for 1819-21

ferry owner Henry Jones (1789-1861).

Claimed by both Mexico and the

United States, town was 1828-37

county seat of Miller County,

Ark. Community had 2,350 people

by 1834. At this crossing Sam

Houston (1832) and David Crockett

(1835) entered Texas. A well-known

road led southeastward to other

colonies by way of Nacodoches.

In 1836, Clarksville became Red

River District's capital. By 1840 Joneboro had lost its trade and

many settlers to other areas. (1973)

See more here and here.

Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 3

Park Memorial - Author's Picture

"Memorial

This site dedicated to the memory of James Henry Johnston, James E. and Elizabeth Johnston Ferguson, River River County Pioneers."

Arnold E. A. Roitsch Archeological Site

Author's Picture

"In this vicinity archeologists have located a large village and ceremonial center occupied between A.D. 1000 and A.D. 1700 by ancestors of the Caddo Indians. Sedentary farmers, the Caddos built villages and farms on alluvial terraces of the Red River. Evidence from the site has revealed a number of scattered farmsteads and two earthen mounds which served as religious or ceremonial centers. The site also has yielded Caddo ceramics, plus glass beads, and metal weapons and tools, indicating the tribes in this area traded with European explorers. (1992)." See more here.

"The Sam Kaufman site (41RR6, also known as the Arnold Roitsch site for a time) is a well-known Caddo Indian village along Mound Prairie and the Red River in Red River County, Texas. There have been a number of reported archaeological investigations, as well as bioarchaeological studies, at the site, and at other nearby sites since the 1930s.

This article reports on previously unknown investigations conducted by Buddy Calvin Jones in December 1961 through January 1962 at the Sam Kaufman site. His notes on the work-which primarily consist of burial plan drawings and a map or two-have recently been provided to the Gregg County Historical Museum (GCHM). Some of the collection of archaeological materials from the site have also been located at the GCHM, and in May 2011, we had the opportunity to document those materials (all ceramic vessels). Other vessels from the Jones investigations, but not in the GCHM collections, at the Sam Kaufman site are discussed in Perttula and Perttula."

The historical marker still calls the site the "Arnold Roitsch" site. See more information here.

Exogyra Ponderosa

Exogyra Ponderosa

The image above is a picture of the Exogyra Ponderosa, an extinct marine oyster. They can bring as much as $60 if you buy one (online). I found this one many years ago. It's 3.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches in length. It's in perfect condition. I'll never get rid of this one, as it was my first (personally) greatest find. Online, they cost at least $25. They're dated to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 2

In this section, I post more pictures of a visit to the Sam Houston Memorial Park, in northwest Red River County, Texas. I think I took these pictures in May of 2025.

General View - Author's Picture

The image shows a general view of the grounds, looking northeast. Mrs. Jane Chandler Gill's head is located right of center. It's the white color, or maybe off white, image. Further back is a monument to Sam Houston. The very large plant in the middle of the picture is a cactus. Learn more here.

Pine Tree - Author's Picture

It can't really be seen, but this image shows one of the largest pine trees I have ever seen. The larger visible branch is, in itself, as large as some pine trees.

Jesse Bowman Marker - Author's Picture 

This historical marker commemorates Jesse Bowman (1785–1836), a pioneer who volunteered for duty at the Alamo. He perished there with many others. The marker is transcribed below.

"Jesse B. Bowman was born in Tennessee about 1785. By 1811 he was living in Illinois where his son Joseph T. Bowman was born that year. Bowman and his family settled in Ouichita County, Arkansas, until it became more populated and they moved to Hempstead County. In the 1830s Jesse B. Bowman and his family moved with his brother and other family members to this area of Texas, where they soon qualified for a league and labor of land. On February 23, 1836, Bowman answered the roll call at the Alamo garrison in Bexar. He was listed as a private and permanent volunteer under the command of Jim Bowie. On March 6, Jesse Bowman lost his life at the fall of the Alamo. His body and those of the other Alamo defenders were burned by the Mexican army under General Santa Anna."

Learn more about Jesse Bowman here.

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 5

This is the final entry concerning the New Haven Cemetery in the Dimple Community, Red River County, Texas. The text of the historical marker appears below. You can visit my contact form for more information.

New Haven Memorial Text - Author's Texas

Historical marker at the New Haven Cemetery, Dimple Community, Red River Community, Texas.

New Haven Cemetery

"Acreage for a community church, school, and graveyard was given in 1859 by George M. Sargeant. The first burial in the cemetery was for George W. Rolston (d.1859), a veteran of the War of 1812. Additional land for the New Haven Baptist Church and cemetery was donated by John and Lillie (Doak) Jamison in 1898. Numerous pioneer families and war veterans are buried here, as is Dimple Dee, the infant daughter of W.W. and Katie Crockett, for whom the Dimple Community is named. The historic cemetery continues to serve residents of the area."

Edit: The author knew several of the individuals who are buried in this cemetery, both young and old.

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 4

The story of Dimple Dee Crockett.

She looks like such a sweetheart. God bless this baby girl.

Dimple Dee Crockett Memorial - Author's Picture

Dimple Dee Crockett lived from 1898 – 1900. The Dimple Community is named for her. There is one picture of her (below) that shows her playing. It looks like there's a goat with her.

Dimple Dee Crockett

"We believe her cause of death was diphtheria, but that is only through memory of word-of-mouth discussions.

One of two articles about the W.W. Crockett General Store by C.M. Raulston, Jr. - In 1873, W.W. Crockett established a General Store on top of a steep clay hill a half mile south of Pecan Bayou on the Albion Road. In October of 1900, he buried a beloved two-and-one-half year old daughter in New Haven Cemetery. Her name was Dimple Dee. In 1901, Mr. Crockett established a post office in his store. At that time, the community was called various names, such as Liberty Hill, Raulston's Corner, and New Haven. Mr. Crockett named his post office in memory of his departed little daughter. Since that time, our community has been called Dimple.

Two of two articles about the W.W. Crockett General Store by C.M. Raulston, Jr. - In the early days our community was variously called Liberty, Liberty Hill, Raulstons Bend,and Cravens. In 1898 W. W. Crockett, a photographer in Clarksville established a general store on the Albion Road atop a clay hill 1/2 mile south of Pecan Bayou. He maintained his photography business by spending two days a week there. On his return trips to the general store he picked up the mail for the people in the community. During their first year in the general store, Mr. Crocket and wife Katie had a daughter born to them. They named her Dimple Dee. She died in October 1900 at age 2 years and six months. In 1901 the postmaster objected to Mr. Crockett's habit of delivering mail to his customers. As a result, Mr. Crockett established a post office in the general store and named it in honor of his departed little daughter. Since that time our community has been called Dimple."

Source: Find A Grave.

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 3

More picture of the New Haven Cemetery in Red River County, Dimple Community.

New Haven Cemetery General View - Author's Picture

A general view of the grounds. Several angels appear in the background.

Wind Chimes - Author's Picture

I heard wind chimes long before I saw them. They produced a haunting sound. They are located along the south side of the cemetery, alongside FM 2120 (seen in the background).

Dimple Community, Texas, Pictures, Page 2

In this post about Dimple Community history (Red River County, Texas), we will see pictures of the New Haven Cemetery and various memorials on the grounds. I personally took all of the pictures. So, here we go with pictures of the New Haven Cemetery grounds.

New Haven Cemetery Memorials - Author's Picture

New Haven Cemetery - Author's Picture

This is the older portion of the cemetery, looking southeast. It looks to me like the southern graves might give way and become uncovered. It's only a matter of time, in my opinion. I like the cross monument in the upper right. I wonder if it's cast whole or whether it has rebar in it?

Grave Décor

A toy truck on the grounds of New Haven Cemetery. It caught my attention immediately. I don't care for death, but I like the memorial.

Dimple Community, Texas

"Dimple, TX. Dimple is six miles north of Clarksville in north central Red River County. It had a post office from 1901 until 1921. From 1914 through 1986, the estimated population of Dimple was reported as twenty-five. In 1990 and 2000 it was sixty." Source here.

Nowadays, the chief historic feature of Dimple is the New Haven Cemetery. The cemetery used to be located alongside the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church. Years ago, the church built a new building that is located just across the road from the cemetery. Walking through the cemetery, for me, is troublesome, as I once knew several of the people who are buried there, both young and old.

New Haven Cemetery - Author's Picture

This is the sign you see just before you enter into the cemetery. It needs repainting, badly.

"New Haven","Cemetery","1859","New Haven","This cemetery is located in the northwest quadrant of Red River County, Texas. GPS COORDINATES: Datum WGS84: 33 Deg 42.866N, 95 Deg 04.834W. From the Dimple Community proceed west on FM 2120 about two miles. The church and cemetery is on the north side of the road. RED RIVER RECOLLECTIONS page 52: Acreage, 2.75 acres 'situated on the waters of Pecan Bayou and upon which said Church and School House now stand' for a community church, school, and cemetery was deeded on 6 May 1859 by George M. Sargeant. A later deed dated 14 Feb 1898 and filed for record on 4 Jun 1898 in Book CH Vol 33 Page 593 for 5 acres of land on the E. H. Tarrant survey from John M. Jamison et ux to New Haven Baptist Church. The oldest marked burial is for George W. R. Rolston who died in 1859. This cemetery was surveyed by Lawrence and Sue Dale on Sunday 19 Jan 1997. We visited on 14 Jan 2004 to take GPS Coordinates. We also did a re [sic] walk of the cemetery adding new burials and noting marker changes." Note: The church is no longer on the north side of the road. It is now on the south side of the road. Source here.

Sarah Jane - New Haven Burial - Author's Picture

The only thing I could make out on the marker is that it's for "Sarah Jane." She was 30 years old at the time of her passing. At some point, the stone seems to have fallen over. Someone came along later and poured concrete to support it. It's still lying in a "turned over" position. Edit: I found Sarah Jane Roberts Walker on the Find a Grave website. She possibly died in or shortly after childbirth. She lived and died in the 1800s, so long ago and a world away.

Squirrel - Author's Picture

At some point, I noticed a visitor who was just as quiet as I was. He was very dark for a squirrel. He didn't stick around for long, and I couldn't get a better picture.

Battleship USS Texas

USS Texas

"The USS Texas (BB-35), the world's oldest surviving warship, is now more majestic, more powerful, and more ready than ever in her new home in Galveston, Texas!"

"After undergoing a historic restoration in a floating drydock, including hull repairs, repainting, and facility updates, the "Big T" is ready to welcome visitors with stories of two world wars, naval innovation, and the unwavering courage of her crew."

"In 2025, USS Texas will be more than just a museum; it will be a living bridge between the past and the future."

Text and Image Source: Meta via Naval History Central.

Clarksville Texas Post Office

Clarksville, Texas Post Office - Author's Picture

The U.S. Post Office in Clarksville, Texas. Clarksville is the county seat of Red River County, Texas. The building dates from 1914. I have early memories of visiting this post office with my mom, when I was little. The building has an entry ramp for wheelchairs and persons with disabilities. I remember walking up and down those ramps. It was great fun, but the stairs were fun too. Later, I moved to Henderson, Texas.

William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery, Part 3

William Becknell - Author's Picture

The text reads:

William Becknell

Born in Virginia 1797

Pioneered the Santa Fe Trail

Served in the army of the Republic of Texas

Died 1865

Erected by the State of Texas 1957

I believe that the captain's stone, as well as that of his wife (below), is oriented to the southwest rather than the typical west-east.

Mary Becknell - Author's Picture

Mrs. Becknell passed in 1864. This is obviously a newer headstone.

Stone Marker - Author's Picture

I saw perhaps a dozen of such markers. They're stone. There is no readable text on them.

Bench - Author's Picture

The historic site has a couple of benches in case you get tired. I visited in the heat of summer, but I didn't have to sit down.

Turnbole Marker - Author's Picture

The grave marks the burial of a member of the Turnbole family. I couldn't read the first name. The date of birth/death is 1861-1864, so this a young one.

Burial Marker - Author's Picture

I couldn't read much on this stone, either. The date of death is 1833.

Atlas Obscura also has an article about this cemetery.

Edit: I forgot to mention that the cemetery is in a cattle pasture. It is fenced off, though. On my way up the path, I scared two cows, which quickly ran away.

William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery, Part 2

William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery - Author's Picture

"This historic cemetery is also known as Robbinsville Cemetery after the community that once thrived in this area. Names for John Robbins, an early settler, Robbinsville served as a gathering place for area farmers. The cemetery became known as Becknell cemetery when Mary Becknell, wife of William Becknell, deeded the land to the Methodist Episcopal church as a burial ground on Dec. 20, 1861. Burials include William Becknell (1788-1856), "Father of the Santa Fe Trail," and three other burials of pioneer families, including McGuire and Turnbole. It is believed there are a number of unmarked graves. The cemetery is the last remaining vestige of a community of pioneer residents."

Pathway to the Cemetery

I wore Crocs during my visit. I don't recommend it, as the gravel pathway is tough on the feet. Wear some good shoes.

Cemetery Gate - Author's Picture

This picture shows the gate and the (above) historical marker.

General View of the Grounds - Author's Picture

A view of the cemetery. It's not a very big area.

Detail of the Cemetery Fence - Author's Picture

William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery, Part 1

William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery - Author's Picture

The William Becknell Robbinsville Cemetery is a historic cemetery located on US Highway 82, between the towns of Clarksville, Texas, and Detroit, Texas. I had been wanting to visit this cemetery for quite some time. I once knew a more than elderly florist who grew up in this part of the country. She recalled seeing the cemetery when her father, in his wagon, would bring the family to town. The text reads:

Caddo Indian Mound

Panorama

It's not obvious in the following pictures, but this is the best that's possible at this time of year. The little copse of trees is growing on a Caddo Indian mound. The rest of the land is flat and clear. I should've taken better pictures to show that, but I did get one (above).

Caddo Mound

Caddo Mound

Caddo Mound

Caddo Mound

The mound has been described as the foundation of a "dwelling." Once upon a time, the new owner of the land surrounding it mistakenly believed that he owned this land. The company was preparing to bulldoze (flatten) the mound, but they were stopped by a "society" that manages the historic site. To my knowledge, it has no official name. I walked to the top of the mound one time, many years ago, and I saw that someone had dug into it. I don't know what was or was not discovered there. In general, I've found that people do not respect such structures or what might be buried within. One day, I will try to get better pictures, maybe in the winter when nothing is blooming. I didn't go to the top this time, as I have no desire to trespass or possibly get bitten by a snake.

Sam Houston Memorial Part, Part 1

Jane Chandler Gill memorial and gravestone.

Jane Chandler Gill Memorial

The picture below was taken in May of 2025. The stone itself is becoming unreadable because of the growth and, at the time the picture was taken, the lighting. The stone needs to be cleaned badly. Much of the text can be read here.

Jane Chandler Gill Gravestone

Jane Chandler Gill was from England, and she was one of the first Anglo settlers to be buried in Texas. It is my understanding that this gravestone was discovered in a field in or near the old town of Jonesboro, Texas. The town hasn't existed in decades.

"Consort of Wm. H. Gill, age 31 years 8 months 20 days, [birth date calculated] From ABSTRACTS OF EARLY EAST TEXAS NEWSPAPERS 1839-1856 -- THE NORTHERN STANDARD, Clarksville, Texas: 26 Sep 1846 -- Died at Jonesboro, Red River County on the 20th inst., Mrs. Jane Chandler Gill, consort of Wm. H. Gill, in the 30th year of her age. CLARKSVILLE TIMES 2 Jul 1981 has the following from the memorial 'When Sorrow Weeps O'er Virtues Sacred Dust, Our Tears Become Us And Our Grief Is Just, Such Were The Tears He Shed Who Grateful Pat His Last Sad Tribute Of His Love And Praise'. Her epitaph is inscribed THIS SMALL MONUMENT IS ERECTED IN AFFECTION BY THE HUSBAND and I SHALL GO TO HER, BUT SHE SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME."

Text source: Findagrave.com

Tuggle Springs Cemetery

Tuggle Springs Cemetery, according to some, is in Clarksville, Texas. According to others, it's located in Bagwell, Texas. Whatever the case, it's located a long way from either Clarksville or Bagwell, though I do think it has a Bagwell zip code. The cemetery is quiet and peaceful. We visited on Mother's Day in 2025.

Tuggle Springs Cemetery Historical Marker

Tuggle Springs Cemetery Historical Marker

"This burial ground was established by Andrew Jackson Tuggle (1815-1877), a farmer who moved here from Tennessee c. 1850 with his wife Elizabeth (1819-1895). When a mother and infant died in 1864, Tuggle set aside property for use as a cemetery and for a church and school. As settlers came to the area, they began to use the burial ground, which is named for Tuggle and for nearby natural springs. Besides early settlers, others buried here include veterans of conflicts dating to the Civil War. Today, the Tuggle Springs Cemetery Association, organized in 1960, continues to care for the burial ground, which features Woodmen of the World markers, grave slabs, and vertical stones."

American Flag Fluttering in the Breeze

Cemetery Pavillion in Background

One of the Largest Cedar Trees that I have ever seen.

The Ezekiel Airship

Ezekiel Airship - Atlas Obscura

The Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Depot and Museumvis located in Pittsburg, Texas which is also known as the homeplace of "Pilgrim's Pride" and delicious Pittsburg Hot Links. The airship at the museum is not the original (which was destroyed). The original airship, created by the Reverend Burrell Cannon, supposedly flew a short distance one year before the flight of the Wright Brothers. The ship was based on the Book of Ezekiel, in which the priest Ezekiel describes a vision of wheels. The text is Ezekiel 1:1-48:22.

The airship has been described as steampunk meeting the Bible. While it may be as impressive as the airships in the Final Fantasy games, at least it's not fiction. Whether or not it actually flew has been debated.

Image Source: Atlas Obsura.

See also an article on Roadside America.

Bolo Ties

Obsidian Bolo Tie - Author's Picture

Bolo ties are just fringe western wear? The bolo tie has been the official state tie of Arizona since 1971. It became the state tie of New Mexico in 2007, and also in Texas when Governor Rick Perry signed House Concurrent Resolution No. 12 (June 15, 2007). Bolo ties are formal wear, folks. I bought my tie from The Old West Gallery.