Indian Captives Dot and Bianca Babb

Two of Texas history's best-known Indian captives, 13-year-old T. A. "Dot" Babb (1852-1936) and his 9-year-old sister Bianca (1855?-1950) were stolen by Comanches from their home near here in September of 1865. While at play one day, the children were surprised by a raiding party of 35 to 40 Indians. Mrs. Babb was killed and Dot, Bianca, and Mrs. Luster (a visitor) were taken to Indian Territory (present Oklahoma). After helping Mrs. Luster escape on the way, Dot was very nearly executed, but so stoic was he in facing death that the Indians admiringly spared his life. For the next two years Dot and Bianca lived, in different tribes, as adopted Comanches. Bianca later recalled that the Indians held a feast - with coffee, a luxury - upon her arrival and that they colored her blonde hair with charcoal and buffalo tallow. Dot, after a winter as the squaws' flunky, asserted his male rights and thereafter spent his time taming horses. He was taken on raids against other tribes and showed signs of becoming a fine warrior. After two years, the children's father ransomed them and a joyful reunion occurred. Both Dot and Bianca spoke with sympathy, however, of many Indian customs and of kind treatment during captivity.

Indian Captives Dot and Bianca Babb is a historical marker in Chico, Wise County, dedicated in 1971. It is one of 89 historical markers documented in Wise County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 159 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.2911, -97.7592 near Chico. The nearest cataloged historic site is Booth Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.9 miles away. Others within a short drive include Tucker Cemetery, Pleasant Grove Cemetery #3, and Brown Hotel.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5497002632. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.