Battle Of The Neches Ceremony Set For Saturday

The American Indian Cultural Society will be hosting the annual memorial for the Battle of the Neches on Saturday, July 11. This ceremony will be held on the site of the Battle of the Neches located off of Highway 64, just east of Van Zandt County and approximately 15 miles west of Tyler.

On July 16, 1839, 800 American Indian men, women and children were killed during a battle with Texas soldiers sent by Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar. That battle took place in Redland.

Each year this ceremony is held at the site to honor those brave American Indians.

There are many activities set for the day including a smudging ceremony to be performed by Danny Hair and a speech by Andrew Hair on the preservation of historical sites.

Organizers are urging anyone interested in finding out more about their Native American Heritage to bring information such as family Bibles, birth certificates, marriage license and any other items of historical importance.

Betty Miller, of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, will be one of the featured speakers and will be available to help attendees with their search into the past.

There will also be an auction this year for a young filly. The proceeds from this donated horse will go towards the renovation of the building on the land. When finished, the building will serve as a learning center for adults, as well as, for children.

There will be a picnic at 5:30 pm. and everyone is asked to bring a covered dish and lawn chairs.

There will be a number of Native American dignities on hand for the event.

For more information, please contact Sondra McAdams at 903-425-8581.