Members descend from the men who formed the new government during the years 1794 to 1815.
MOTTO: Liberty, Fraternity, and Liberty
OBJECTIVES: Patriotism, Historic Preservation, Education
COLORS: The blue represents the color worn by the Navy during the War of 1812 and the gray represents the color worn by the Army.
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Freeman-Custis Expedition of 1806
Marker Dedication in Texarkana, TX
May 15, 2026
The first known historical marker honoring the Thomas Freeman and Peter Custis Red River Expedition of 1806, an expedition that spanned present-day Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, was dedicated in Texarkana, Texas, on May 15, 2026. The marker brings renewed attention to an important but often-forgotten chapter of American history.
“This was very much a destination that [President Thomas] Jefferson was intrigued by, and yet the story of this expedition, because of the outcome of it, ended up being swept under the rug,” said Dan L. Flores, author and historian. “Several years ago I did enough research to rescue the story and try to tell the full story of this expedition.”
“This historical marker will allow future generations an opportunity to learn more about… the [American] history of this area…in the early 1800’s,” said Texarkana, TX, Mayor Bob Bruggeman.
This expedition was important to the Red River region’s history as Americans were mapping land, studying wildlife, and meeting native nations along the way. The group of 50 were met near present day New Boston, TX, by Spanish troops that objected to Americans proceeding into the West before the boundaries were settled. Jefferson’s goals were to find the river’s headwaters and find a water route to Santa Fe.