Polk County, C. S. A.

Polk County's 1860 census counted 8,300 people, and 4,198 of them, more than half, were enslaved. The county had produced 9,307 bales of cotton in 1859, the Handbook of Texas records. Eight Polk County companies served the Confederacy, among them an Indian unit led by planter and major Alexander Hamilton Washington. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's own Confederate service began on April 11, 1862, when John Scott and nineteen other tribe members were sworn into Company G of the Twenty-fourth Texas Cavalry, and the tribe's own marker tells that story.

What the plaque says

Polk County, C. S. A. During Civil War, 1861-65, an area of piney woods, farms, thickets, with an Alabama-Coushatta Indian reservation. Had only 600 voters in 1860 but sent 900 soldiers into the Confederate Army. Furnished 4 units to Hood's Texas Brigade (Co. B, 1st Regiment; Co. F, 4th Regiment; Co. H and Co. K, 5th Regiment). Also organized Co. K, 14th Texas Infantry, Randal's Brigade; co. E, 20th Texas Infantry, Harrison's Brigade; Co. F, 22nd Texas Infantry, Waul's Brigade, 21 of the Alabama-Coushattas joined Co. A, Indian Cavalry. In 1861, gave through Commissioners Court $1,600 to clothe its soldiers. Throughout the war, old men, women, children and slaves produced food and cotton for support of the war effort. County's numerous ferries and rivers were used in transporting troops and supplies. Such ports as Drew's Landing floated out goods on flatboats. Industries and facilities of importance included Moscow's sawmill, cotton gin, drugstore and school operated throughout the war by the Masonic Lodge. Livingston was headquarters, 1867-68, for the Federal Army of Occupation, 5th Military District, with Co. A, 15th Infantry and Co. B, 6th Cavalry, stationed here. (1964)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Polk County — steps away
• Livingston — steps away
• Old City Cemetery (Old Livingston Cemetery) — steps away
• Chief John Blount — 0.2 mi