The Penatuhkah were the most powerful of the Texas Indians during the zenith of the Texas Horse Culture, blocking the expansion of the Texans north and west.  Learn about the Comanches who lived here.

About Montie Guthrie:

Born in Santa Anna, Texas, in 1947, Montie Guthrie graduated from Tarleton State College in 1969. For fifteen years, he followed road construction as a carpenter to the metroplex and to New Orleans, returning to Coleman County to be a self-employed residential and commercial design/builder. He received the Master’s in Counseling at Tarleton State University in 1993 to be Counselor at Santa Anna ISD. He retired in May 2012 and served as SAISD District Testing Coordinator half time as well as Adjunct Instructor of Government at Cisco College in Abilene until 2019. He is Chairman of Santa Anna Historical Development Organization, Secretary of the Santa Anna
Foundation, and Executive Director of the Penatuhkah Trails Partnership.

Step back in time and experience the thrilling drama of the 1896 Buffalo Gap Bank Robbery Shootout! Join us for an exciting live reenactment of this legendary event, where outlaws, lawmen, and the spirit of the Old West collide. *FAMILY FRIENDLY*

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the rich tapestry of Native American history at the Fort Chadbourne Artifact Display! Hosted at Victory Bank, this captivating exhibit showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region’s indigenous heritage. From skirmishes to ranch life. This is your chance to connect with the legacy of the Native American tribes who once thrived in this area.

Love story telling and camaraderie? Look no further, as Scout Master Dr. John Dearing delves into the rich, and storied history of Camp Tonkawa. Nestled in the heart of Texas, Camp Tonkawa holds a rich legacy as a gathering place for Native American tribes, early settlers, and adventures. Come learn more about its origins and its role in regional history!

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the rich tapestry of Native American history at the Fort Chadbourne Artifact Display! Hosted at Victory Bank, this captivating exhibit showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region’s indigenous heritage. From skirmishes to ranch life. This is your chance to connect with the legacy of the Native American tribes who once thrived in this area.

Join us for a fascinating presentation by Garland Richards from Fort Chadbourne in Bronte, Texas, as he explores the fort’s deep ties to Native American history. Discover the complex interactions between soldiers and Indigenous tribes, and learn about the incredible artifacts unearthed from the site—each offering a glimpse into the past.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of Fort Chadbourne’s role on the Texas frontier!

About Garland Richards:

Garland is the president, founder and a volunteer of the Fort Chadbourne Foundation.  The family has owned property around the Fort since 1877.  The names have changed from Odom to Wylie to Richards due to only having daughters.  Nine generations make the Chadbourne Ranch their home.  Garland graduated from Bronte High School and attended Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX.  He is married to Lana Jones Richards who is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Fort Chadbourne Foundation.  Together they have 4 kids and 6 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Join us for a powerful and personal journey through Comanche history with Lance Tahmahkera, great-great-grandson of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker. As part of Native American Week during Smithsonian in the Gap, Lance will share family stories passed down through generations—stories you won’t find in books.

Through an engaging multimedia presentation, Lance will take us from the origins of the Comanche people to present-day traditions, exploring Comanche culture, history, and the legacy of Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker. He will also share traditional children’s stories, just as they were told to him as a child.

Adding to the experience, Lance will bring a collection of authentic Comanche artifacts, including a buckskin dress, regalia, beadwork, bow and arrows, and more, offering a hands-on look at the craftsmanship and traditions of his ancestors.

This is a rare opportunity to hear the firsthand stories of a direct descendant of Quanah Parker—a history not just told, but truly lived. Don’t miss it!

About Lance Tahmahkera:

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Lance Tahmahkera dedicated 45 years to Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth before recently retiring from the Imaging Department at Texas Health Harris Methodist Neighborhood Care and Wellness in Burleson. He is a great-great grandson of the Comanche Chief, Quanah Parker, and grew up immersed in his family’s rich heritage. His parents remained deeply connected to Comanche traditions, and much of his youth was spent attending pow-wows, where he listened to the stories of his ancestors and learned the ways of his people.

Drawing from this rich oral history, Lance has been invited to share his family’s stories with schools, universities, historical groups, and organizations. His storytelling brings to life the origins of the Comanche people, the hardships and triumphs of life on the plains and reservations, and the legacy of his ancestors—including Cynthia Ann Parker, who was adopted into the Comanche Nation as a child and later became the mother of Quanah Parker. He also passes down cherished children’s stories and tales that have been kept alive through generations.