Attractions

The fort was established in 1834 by the Parker family to protect a settlement of eight or nine homesteads. In 1836, a surprise attack by several hundred Comanches overran the fort, killing five of the Parker family and carrying into captivity five people, including 9-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker. She grew up, married Comanche chief Peta Nocona and lived with the tribe until she was captured with her 2-year-old daughter, Prairie Flower, 24 years later in 1860. She also was the mother of the last great Comanche chief, Quanah Parker. Cynthia Ann never became reconciled to her forced return to her white kinsmen, and she tried several times to escape, but she never saw her Comanche family again. The fort features pioneer memorabilia, an authentic log blockhouse and a stockade, and Mordecai Yell's two-story log cabin. A self-guided tour of the fort is available. Living-history events are scheduled throughout the year—contact the park for details. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Sun. Admission charge. 866 Park Road 36, four miles north of town via Texas 14. 254/729-5253 www.oldfortparker.org