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Wise Words

"The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on."

-Walter Lippman

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Who was Chief Placido?

Chief Placido, leader of the Tonkawa tribe, became a personal friend to General Burleson, Sam Houston, Jack C. Hays and Stephen F. Austin. Placido became known as "the greatest single Indian ally that the Texans ever had." Volume 44, No. 3, Southwestern Historical Quarterly.

Who were the Tonkawa Indians? What was their role in the Battle of Plum Creek?

The Tonkawa Tribe lived in what is now known as San Marcos prior to the settlers of the 1840’s. Led by Chief Placido, they served as allies and scouts, fighting alongside the “Texians.” The Tonkawas trotted thirty miles on foot to fight beside the militia in the Battle of Plum Creek. They returned, mounted upon the ponies of fallen Comanche warriors.

How did the Tonkawas pave the way for the settlement of present day San Marcos?

Life was hard for the early settlers of San Marcos, but it would have been considerably more challenging without the friendship and aid of Chief Placido and the Tonkawa.

Leadership San Marcos, Class of 2007 will be dedicating a statue to honor Placido, and the Tonkawa of Central Texas. Many will experience, some for the first time, the historical presence of these Native Americans and their pivotal leader, who made their home near present day San Marcos, and whose loyalty and friendship to the early settlers were crucial to the establishment of our home town.

The river was the lifeblood of the Tonkawa and other early settlers and continues to impact the economy of San Marcos today. The statue will be placed in a prominent location near the San Marcos River.

Why this project is important:

promotes awareness and respect for natives of San Marcos
inspires interest in Native American history and heritage
acknowledges pivotal role of Tonkawa Indians in San Marcos
enriches the historical footprint of San Marcos
provides a visual link to the artifacts discovered in the San Marcos River

Contributing Artist

Mr. Eric Slocombe, a talented local artist and sculptor, whose work can be found in private collections throughout the Southwest, has captured the essence of the Tonkawa warrior in this work. Mr. Slocombe has generously donated his time and talent to Leadership San Marcos, Inc. creating and sculpting the statue. For more information about the sculptor, visit his website http://www.ericslocombe.com