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oldest county in Texas is believed to be hallowed
ground on which the spirits of Indians and Confederate soldiers roam freely. Neither
the Indians nor Confederate soldiers were successful in their endeavors as they
waged wars to preserve the ways of their people. Many believe the restless spirits
wander the county in angst. |
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The Pine Springs
Campground, approximately 14 miles north-east of Crockett,
is one of the favorite campgrounds used by the Caddo Indians prior to the arrival
of European settlers. The site was believed to be abundant with game and fresh
water that flowed freely from a natural spring.
Area residents claim that
the sprits of the Indians make their presence known through a mighty rushing wind
that sweeps through the pines, and seemingly comes out of nowhere. War whoops
and yells are said to echo softly through the woods
The ghostly Indians
are allegedly heard and sensed best at midnight. Those desiring to experience
the rushing wind or hear war whoops of the tribe show up on Spring nights or Halloween.
The spirits are said to return each year to the Pine Springs Campground, where
they once thrived on the flourishing land.
The
Caddo Mounds, located east
of Weches, are also said the be haunted. The burial mound, which holds the bodies
of numerous Caddo Indians is said to be haunted by a banshee. The banshee wanders
the mounds in sorrow.
Tales of an Indian woman who cries out into the night
have circulated since the 1970’s. The woman is said to appear atop the burial
mound, dressed in white, and can allegedly be heard weeping for her lost loved
ones.
Within
Houston County’s oldest cemetery lies the bodies of many confederate soldiers,
as well as the first mayor of Crockett. The cemetery is dappled with tombstones
that are no longer legible, and the tombs and monuments belonging to those who
settled the area. |
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Glenwood Cemetery Confederate Soldiers' Tombstones
Photo by Dana
Goolsby, October 2010 |
Confederate Soldier Tombstone
Photo by Dana
Goolsby, October 2010 |
The shady cemetery
has given way to numerous claims of ghostly apparitions, and deterred visitors
from entering the gates. Locals stear clear of the county’s first burial ground.
Some say they have witnessed ghosts of Confederate soldiers wandering through
the graveyard. Some of the ghostly soldiers are said to be hobbling on crutches
due to missing legs, while others have been reported as having missing arms, all
of which are believed to have been lost during the civil war.
Others claim
to have heard the whispers of soldiers as they pass through the cemetery. The
soldiers can supposedly be heard whispering from beyond the grave such phrases
as, “War is hell,” or “Here I am General, over here.”
The Confederate
soldiers who rest in the old cemetery appear to be no more peaceful than they
were while waging war, according to local claims.
© Dana
Goolsby December
17, 2010 Column
Reporter of The Grapeland Messenger
See
Crockett,
Texas
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