We are nowhere close to Florida or the Seminole tribe.
According to what the Rangers tell us, many freed slaves joined the Seminole tribe back in the Southeast. And even escaped slaves were accepted well in the tribe.
But during the "Trail of Tears" in the 1830's and arrival at their new western home in Oklahoma, there must have been some disagreement between the Natives and the Blacks.
Many of the Blacks broke away and moved to this part of Texas and northern Mexico to do their own farming. They got to know this land well.
Later, in the 1870's and 80's,when the whites wanted to expand into the Wild West across the Pecos River, the Comanche Indians were still active here and caused much trouble for the whites. So the army hired local Blacks. They were really good at scouting, fighting, & controlling the Comanches. And so, this state park has been named in their honor.
Here is a place that commemorates a battle just about a mile form the current Pecos river bridge.
Many of their descendants still lie in small towns of this area and northern Mexico.
(PS they have nothing to do with the Buffalo Soldiers further West; that is a different story).
Well, hope you enjoyed the last few days' "visit" to central Texas on the Rio Grande.
Remember, not all is brown and lifeless here.
There is even one shrub, the "palo verde", who's branches stays green most of the year.
Come check it out.
Well, it is now time for us to go and learn a little something of other places along the road.
Adios for now.
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