As we stand at this significant site, where the C.S.A Historical Marker stands tall, let me take you back to a time when Millican, Texas was the epicenter of an incident that would forever alter its history. Located on the junction of Wellborn Road (Farm to Market Road 2154) and Farm Road 159, this marker is more than just a piece of stone—its a poignant reminder of the past.
Established in 1962, the C.S.A Historical Marker bears witness to an event that many Texans are unaware of: the Millican Massacre. This tragic event occurred on December 19, 1864, during the Civil War. Union forces mercilessly murdered over eighty African Americans, marking this site with indelible pain and sorrow. The stories of these innocent lives lost were preserved only through oral histories within the local Black community and newspaper accounts from that era.
The C.S.A Historical Marker also pays homage to a prominent figure in Millicans early history: William T. Millican. Born in South Carolina around 1780, he moved with his family to Texas in 1821, playing an instrumental role in the regions development. Serving as a member of the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution, Millican left an indelible mark on this land long before the tragic events of the Civil War.
As you immerse yourself in the surroundings, take note of the rich history that permeates the air around us. Millicans roots can be traced back to European colonization in the 19th century, and this marker is a testament to the resilience of its people through time.
So, as we stand here today, let us remember and pay our respects to those lives lost in the Massacre, and honor the indomitable spirit of the Millican community that continues to thrive despite the darkness of their past.