Kalita (Colita) Chief of the Coushatta Indians - Liberty, TX, USA
N 30° 14.934 W 094° 44.575
15R E 332307 N 3347651
Marker is on State Highway 146, 0.1 miles north of State Highway 105, on the right when traveling south (Moss Hill) pull off. This a a pink granite marker and contains a DAR insignia in bottom left corner.
Waymark Code: WM184NB
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2023
Views: 3
"Only a few months before the clash at San Jacinto, the Texan army suffered a
devastating defeat at the Alamo in San Antonio. Hundreds of Texan soldiers lay
dead, and Mexican General Santa Anna’s forces were ready to continue their
offensive. Texans, fearful the Mexican army would soon arrive in their towns,
quickly gathered up what they could and began to flee. Thousands headed east
towards Louisiana. They crossed into the Big Thicket, a wooded area where the
Alabama and Coushatta Indians lived. There, the raging waters of the Trinity River
threatened to block their escape.
Luckily for the Texans, Coushatta Chief Kalita (Colita) led his people to their
rescue. The Indians removed the wheels from the Texans’ wagons and attached
poles under them. This allowed them to navigate the wagons across the river
safely. The Coushatta remained calm under pressure, thinking quickly to help the
panicked Texans.
After ensuring a safe crossing, the Alabama and Coushatta tribes gave the Texans
food and shelter. Their assistance contributed to the Texan cause and saved
countless lives. The Tribes’ bravery and generosity are remembered as part of
the Alabama-Coushatta’s identity. Members of the Tribe continue to live in Texas,
some of them descendants of Chief Kalita.
Little known historical events like this demonstrate the connections between
the Tribes and Texas. It is important to learn and understand these stories to
remember our shared history and honor the Tribes’ legacy"
(vist link)