Published by Round Rock Shout Outs, your local news source for Round Rock, TX. 

On November 10, 1837, a group of eighteen Texas Rangers engaged in a fierce battle with approximately 150–180 Kichai Indians in what became known as the Battle of Stone Houses.

The confrontation took place near present-day Archer County, named for the distinctive stone mounds resembling houses that marked the landscape.

The Rangers had been tracking raiders since October, traversing rivers and rugged terrain before finally catching up with the Kichai.

The ensuing fight was brutal and chaotic.

Despite being outnumbered, the Rangers pressed the attack, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.

Like many frontier battles, it was neither clean nor simple—it was messy, human, and complicated.

Behind the headlines are hard stories about land, survival, broken treaties, and cultural collision.

Communities across Texas, including the Round Rock region, are layered atop this complex frontier past.

The area was once inhabited by the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples, with settlers arriving later, leading to tensions and conflicts.

Understanding this history reminds us that Texas didn't just appear fully formed.

It was argued over, fought over, and negotiated—often badly.

Remembering that complexity helps us stay more honest about the land we live on and the neighbors we live with.

In modern Round Rock, the "battles" are over zoning, traffic, housing, and how fast the city grows.

Smart local businesses and leaders know that conflict is inevitable, but how you handle it defines your reputation.

Local Sponsor Spotlight:

City of Round Rock Community & Neighborhood Services Department  Helping Round Rock residents navigate today’s "frontier issues" with less drama and more clarity. Since its inception in 2012, Neighborhood Services has developed programs and services for active and engaged neighborhoods to revitalize themselves using community resources and the next stage of growth.

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