Stone Houses

Named for shapes resembling teepees; an Indian ceremonial ground, yielding war paint. In famed "Battle of Stone Houses," Nov. 10, 1837, Lt. A. Van Benthousen and 18 Rangers (hunting stolen horses) were attacked 1.5 miles west of here by 150 Keechis. Ten Rangers and 50 Indians died in 3-hour battle. Indians fired the grass. Rangers lost their horses but escaped through a ravine and walked back to settlements. In 1874, area's first permanent home was built near the stone houses (and 5 mi. W of here) by English-born Dr. R. O. Prideaux (1844-1930), who helped organize this county. Erected by Archer County Historical Survey Committee, 1970.

Stone Houses is a historical marker in Windthorst, Archer County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 30 historical markers documented in Archer County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 33 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.4329, -98.4573 near Windthorst. The nearest cataloged historic site is West Fork School (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Bridwell Park, St Mary, and St. Mary's Catholic Church Windthorst.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5009005432. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.