Native Americans

Native Americans, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, Kiowa, and Waco, occupied the region beginning over twelve thousand years ago. Numerous artifacts have been found throughout the county including a medicine wheel near MATES (Mobilization and Training Equipment Site) on North Fort Hood. Coryell Creek, a tributary of the Leon River, has been identified as a major war trail for the Comanche.

The Tonkawa set up a camp close to Fort Gates and another near Hay Valley and the Leon River. The likeness of the native warrior is actually roughly based on Quanah Parker. One of the Texas Rangers who helped recover his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker, who was captured by Comanche and Kiowa Indians at Fort Parker in May of 1836, is buried in Evant.

Buffalo, as part of the great Texas herd, roamed here as well. The Dragoons of the Eighth Infantry at Fort Gates would have seen them.