Acton Baptist Church (First Baptist Church of Acton) TX7595

In 1855, the Rev. Joseph "Fighting Joe" Robinson led approximately 20 charter members in organizing a Baptist congregation in Acton. He was followed by the Rev. James Halford, son-in-law of David Crockett, whose family lived in this vicinity. Local Baptists shared a structure known as the Long House with other denominations for many years; members built their own sanctuary in 1894. Although altered, it is still used today. Over the years, Acton Baptist Church, now First Baptist Church, has sponsored the establishment of new churches and provided leadership for local missions, community outreach and Baptist Association work.

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Rebecca Hawkins Crockett 4B20
Born in Maryland and emigrating with her husband to East Tennessee. David Crockett's mother followed her son through his several residences in Middle Tennessee before coming to live with a daughter about five miles west. At her death she was buried in the Tyson family cemetery. Her remains are now in the memorial plot about 1/2 mile north.

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David Crockett's Last Home 4B27
This pioneer family settled on a farm about 4 1/2 miles east. Following his last defeat for reelection to Congress, he went to Texas, where he died in the Alamo massacre. This cabin, restored partly from timbers of his original dwelling by publicspirited citizens, now serves as a memorial to him and as a frontier museum. His mother is also buried here.

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A House of the William Becknell Family TX10866

William Becknell (1788-1856) of Missouri is renowned for opening the Santa Fe Trail from the United States into Spain's New World Empire in 1821. He and his wife Mary settled in 1835 near here, on Becknell's Prairie, with a daughter and two sons. On the way to the Alamo, David Crockett visited them. Becknell himself fought in 1836 in the Texas War for Independence. After milled lumber became available, he or his family built the earliest portion of this house. It was later enlarged and relocated.

Restored by Ella Ruth and Harold Wallace in 1968.

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A. E. Gossett Home TX11217

House of typical southern plan, with separate kitchen in back yard, Built 1835 by A.E. Gossett, owner of large land grant from Mexico. An early 1836 visitor was former Tennessee neighbor, Col. David Crockett, on his way to the Alamo, and camping with his company for a night at the spring nearby.

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Acton Cemetery TX79

Location of Acton Historic Site, smallest State Park in Texas. Includes the grave of Mrs. Elizabeth P. Crockett (1788-1860), widow of the Alamo hero David Crockett, and 2 of his children. In 1911 a monument and statue were erected to her memory. Acton (formerly Comanche Peak Post Office) was named in 1855 by C.P. Hollis, first merchant in town. In spite of early name, Acton had few Comanche raids. After erecting a building for church and school, area pioneers selected this plot as cemetery. First person buried here was Mrs. Wash Hutcheson, in 1855.

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Beasley Drive TX7918

Named for Crockett Mayors: Dr. S.T. Beasley (1840-1916), John Gordon Beasley (1888-1959), and Jack Gordon Beasley (1916-1967). In office 1897 to 1901, Dr. Beasley led in creation of Crockett Independent School District, put gas lights on court square. His son "Big Jack" (Mayor 1936-40, in Texas Centennial era) saw creation of David Crockett Park and Memorial Building as fulfillment of dreams. Following lead of grandfather and father, Jack Gordon Beasley (Mayor, 1954-60) led in expansion of lighting and other physical improvements. Besides their Mayor programs, each achieved other civic goals.

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Captain Henry Stout TX9023

Henry Stout came to Texas in 1818 from Tennessee. Reported to have helped David Crockett plan his route to the Alamo, he served in the Republic of Texas Army in 1836, and from 1839 to 1845 was Captain of a Texas Ranger company. He moved here in 1847 and operated a grist mill and freight hauling business. He served on the commission to create Wood County in 1850, and was the first sheriff. He represented Van Zandt and Wood counties in the State Legislature in 1855-56, and was a Confederate officer during the Civil War. He is buried in a family cemetery adjacent to this site.

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Cherokee Trace TX11302

Near this site the Cherokee Indians blazed an early Texas trail. They wanted a road from their settlements near Nacogdoches to their home reservation on the White River in Arkansas. About 1821 they selected a man known for his uncanny sense of direction. Mounting a horse and dragging buffalo skins behind him, he set a northward course. A group of Indians followed, blazing the trees to mark the trail. Another group cleared away the heavy underbrush and trees. A third group established camping grounds by springs and planted Cherokee roses which still mark the route today. Sam Houston, friend of the Cherokee, traveled it on his first Texas visit. David Crockett and other Texas Revolution fighters as well as thousands of settlers from northeastern United States first saw Texas from the road, many establishing homes nearby. The Cherokee remained peaceful as long as friend Sam Houston was President of the Republic. In June 1839 they were ordered from Texas because of raids and intrigues with Mexican agents. A two-day battle ensued on the Neches River where their Chief was killed. The tribe retreated, fighting, leaving Texas by the famous trail they made.

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Cherokee Trace TX9939

In 1821 near this site, Cherokee Indians blazed a trail from near Nacogdoches, Texas, to their home reservation at White River, Ark. They slashed trees, cleared path, planted "Cherokee" roses, and established camps at springs.

Used by Sam Houston, friend of the Cherokees, on his move to Texas; by David Crockett, other soldiers of the Texas Revolution, and thousands of immigrants. After June 1839, when Texas settlers drove the Cherokees out of the state, the Indians departed over this trail; others traveled it for years thereafter.

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