Some say it is one of the most fascinating stories in Texas history. Some say it is nothing more than a legend about the life of a notorious Comanche warrior. Most of all, it is a story of sadness, love and triumph that characterizes the heritage of our state and that of Fort Worth.
The story is told in the exhibit Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker: A Pictorial Exhibit of Their Story, on display at Fort Worth's Central Library, 500 W. Third St., through Dec. 15. It is a project of the Lakes Trail Regional Heritage Tourism Program.
In 1836, a Native American raiding party attacked the Parker family's South Texas homestead, killing everyone except Cynthia Ann, 9, and her 6-year-old brother John. Raised and cared for by the tribe, she eventually married a Comanche leader and gave birth to three children, including Quanah Parker, who would become the chief.
Texas Ranger Capt. Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross again took Cynthia Ann captive at age 35 in December of 1860. Her uncle, Isaac Parker, took her to his family's new compound in Birdville by way of Fort Worth. She was later sent to other relatives in East Texas and died in 1870. Parker's cabin can be visited at Log Cabin Village.
The exhibit's original developers, Clara Ruddell, Doug Harman and Bob Holmes, wanted to offer a new perspective of Texas history, one that they feel is all too often overlooked. "When you look at it from a historical standpoint and how Texas history is important, there's a big element missing; Quanah Parker's story is a great way to view it," Harman said.
"When you think of Texas history, you automatically think cowboys and Indians," Ruddell added. "Schools do a great job teaching the history of the cowboy, but the role of the Native American is usually missing, and they're a big part of it."
Quanah Parker grew to become a great leader in both war and peace for his Comanche tribe, making peace while others fought hopelessly on. He was a proponent of educating young Comanche children to learn English and become successful farmers. He developed friendships with President Roosevelt and well-known Fort Worth businessman, Samuel "Burk" Burnett.
"Because of his leadership, we didn't become extinct fighting the white man's ways," said Quanah's great-great-grandson, Lance Tahmahkera.
On display are weapons, tools, pictures, costumes, statues, paintings, photographs and maps of Indian Territory. "It's an educational experience that opens up a series of other educational opportunities," Harman said. "We hope people will delve into it and ask questions about other stories."
Quanah's great-great-grandchildren were involved, sharing stories of the legendary Comanche leader. "People won't ever see anything quite like this," said Ben Tahmahkera, Quanah Parker's great-great-grandson. "They'll go away with perhaps a little sadness, a little happiness, just like the way people do now with history," he said.
