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| "The short-lived
tent-city of Camp Belknap was formed in the summer of 1846 as a gathering
place for Mexican War volunteers. The hostile environment took as
many as two lives a day until it was disbanded and the troops moved
inland in December of that year. Not to be confused with the Texas
Ranger Camp in Young
County by the same name." |
Camp Belknap
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Ken
Rudine, February 2007 |
Historical Marker:
Site of Camp
Belknap
In May 1846 when
war was declared against Mexico, the U.S. Congress authorized the
raising of 50,000 volunteer troops to supplement the regular U.S.
Army. General Zachary Taylor was quickly inundated with volunteer
soldiers arriving at Brazos Santiago, and was forced to place them
in temporary encampments.
Camp Belknap, located on this site, was established in the summer
of 1846. The camp was located on a long narrow rise of land, measuring
about 2 miles in length and one-half mile at its widest point. It
was the first high ground encountered after leaving the Gulf Coast.
Thought to be the largest encampment for volunteer soldiers, troop
estimates total 7,000-8,000 men including several regiments from eight
states. Soldiers suffered exposure to the elements, unsanitary living
conditions, overcrowding, biting insects, thorny plants, and disease.
Many died a premature death, often resulting in one two two funerals
daily.
No enemy attacks took place despite one false alarm. During August
and September most of the volunteers were moved upriver either to
camps nearer Matamoros, or further to Camargo. The camp was completely
empty by December 1846.
1996 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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