"The Treaty"
sculpted by Michael Boyett
The date was February 23, 1836, and the situation for Texas was desperate. Santa Anna with about 6,000 troops was on the march towards the Alamo with the intent of smashing the small, poorly-organized, and ill-equipped army of Texans along with their fledgling government. Fearing an alliance between Mexico and the Indian tribes, the Texas government sent its envoys to meet with the East Texas tribes, hoping to negotiate a treaty designed to keep them from fighting on the side of Mexico and remaining neutral.
Nacogdoches residents, Sam Houston, Adolphus Sterne, and William Goyens, represented Texas in the negotiations, with Chief Bowles representing the Indian tribes. When the time came to sign the treaty, General Houston and John Forbes represented Texas, and Bowles, Cherokee Chief, spoke for the Indian tribes. Houston and Bowles were longtime friends and highly respected by one another and their peoples as leaders and men of integrity. Houston had become a member of the Cherokee nation, and many years before was given the title "The Raven", meaning "good luck". These men were warrior leaders who had proved their courage on the battlefield. Houston was the newly-commissioned commander of the army of Texas and Bowles, though over 80 years of age, was war chief of not only the Cherokees, but also the other 12 tribes represented.
During the negotiations, Houston presented gifts to Bowles, including a sash, sword, red silk vest, and long dress-shirt, which the chief wore proudly at the signing. The document, which was signed on the back page, was decorated with bright ribbons, and each chief made his "X" in its appropriate places.
Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Lanana Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
