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The Battle of Brushy Creek

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Comancheria

Prior February 24th attack on Coleman home

Picture of Benjamin Franklin Highsmith
Benjamin Franklin Highsmith
Photo originally published in Sowell's Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas, 1900.

Benjamin Franklin Highsmith (1817-1905), was born in Mississippi and came to Texas in 1823 with his father. At the battle of Brushy Creek, Highsmith narrowly escaped with his life as Captain Jacob Burleson was shot down in front of him. According to Ben Highsmith, "the Texans suffered losses at the hand of a determined Indian sharpshooter."

Map of February 1839 Battle Areas of Colonel Moore's Comanche Raid and the Battle of Brushy Creek
February 1839 battle areas of Col. Moore's Comanche Raid and the Battle of Brushy Creek, from the book, Savage Frontier II, by Stephen L. Moore

The Battle of Brushy story from the book Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W. Wilbarger

The Battle of Brushy story from the book Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W. Wilbarger

The Battle of Brushy story from the book Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W. Wilbarger

The Battle of Brushy story from the book Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W. Wilbarger

The Battle of Brushy story from the book Indian Depredations in Texas by J. W. Wilbarger

The above story is from the book, Indian Depredations in Texas, by J.W. Wilbarger.

Battle of Brushy Creek Fight
Savage Frontier II

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