Battle of Packsaddle Mountain Apache Camp Loot — 1873

Sun shading (lidar)

Adjust simulated sun direction on the lidar hillshade. Azimuth = compass bearing of the light (0° north, 90° east). Altitude = height above the horizon (low = long shadows).

Historical map overlays

USGS scanned historical topographic maps. Enable an overlay and adjust its opacity. Works in 2D and 3D.

Sun azimuth: 315°   Sun altitude: 45°   Z factor: 1   Lidar opacity: 1
center: —   mouse: —   zoom: —

Battle of Packsaddle Mountain Apache Camp Loot — 1873

Lost Treasure TX • Llano County County
Description
Legend of raiders' loot abandoned on Packsaddle Mountain summit after the August 1873 fight — when eight Moss Ranch pursuers routed a larger Apache camp in Llano County's last major Indian battle.
Historical Notes
On August 4–5, 1873, James R. Moss, his brothers Stephen and William, and six other men followed raiders who had stolen horses along Beaver Creek and Legion Valley. They overtook more than twenty Apache tribesmen encamped atop Packsaddle Mountain with 300–400 pounds of beef laid out on the rocks. Three Indians were killed and four Whites wounded before the raiders retreated. TSHA records this as the last Indian fight in Llano County. A 1936 state marker on Highway 71 and a 1938 battle-site plaque commemorate the engagement. Indian-raid folklore sometimes imagines hurriedly abandoned trade goods, stolen horse-barter specie, or plunder cached in rock shelters when pursuers closed in. Related entry "Moss Ranch 1873 Indian Raid Pioneer Strongbox" marks the precipitating ranch-country legend.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

Take Add Data / Take Notes

Log in or create an account to save private field notes for this location. Your notes are only visible to you.

Forgot password?
or

Enter your email and we'll send you a link to reset your password.

Back to log in
or