The oldest county in Texas is believed to be hallowed ground, on which the spirits of Indians and Confederate soldiers roam freely. Neither the Indians or Confederate soldiers were successful in their endeavors as they waged wars to preserve the ways of their people. Many believe the restless spirits wander the county in angst.
The Pine Springs Campground, approximately 14 miles north-east of Crockett, is one of the favorite campgrounds used by the Caddo Indians prior to the arrival of European settlers. The site was believed to be abundant with game and fresh water that flowed freely from a natural spring.
Area residents claim that the sprits of the Indians make their presence known through a mighty rushing wind that sweeps through the pines, and seemingly comes out of nowhere. War whoops and yells are said to echo softly through the woods.
The ghostly Indians are allegedly heard and sensed best at midnight. Those desiring to experience the rushing wind or hear war whoops of the tribe show up on Spring nights or Halloween. The spirits are said to return each year to the Pine Springs Campground, where they once thrived on the flourishing land.
The Caddo Mounds, located east of Weches, are also said the be haunted. The burial mound, which holds the bodies of numerous Caddo Indians is said to be haunted by a banshee. The banshee wanders the mounds in sorrow.
Tales of an Indian woman who cries out into the night have circulated since the 1970’s. The woman is said to appear atop the burial mound, dressed in white, and can allegedly be heard weeping for her lost loved ones.
Within Houston County’s oldest cemetery lies the bodies of many confederate soldiers, as well as the first mayor of Crockett. The cemetery is dappled with tombstones that are no longer legible, and the tombs and monuments belonging to those who settled the area.
The shady cemetery has given way to numerous claims of ghostly apparitions, and deterred visitors from entering the gates. Locals steer clear of the county’s first burial ground.
Some say they have witnessed ghosts of confederate soldiers wandering through the graveyard. Some of the ghostly soldiers are said to be hobbling on crutches due to missing legs, while others have been reported as having missing arms, all of which are believed to have been lost during the civil war.
Others claim to have heard the whispers of soldiers as they pass through the cemetery. The soldiers can supposedly be heard whispering from beyond the grave such phrases as, “War is hell,” or “Here I am General, over here.”
The Confederate soldiers who rest in the old cemetery appear to be no more peaceful than they were while waging war, according to local claims.
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