“Bigfoot” Wallace – A Texas Folk Hero
William Alexander Anderson "Bigfoot" Wallace remains an iconic figure in the annals of Texas history, a man whose life embodied the spirit of the American frontier. More than just a historical figure, "Bigfoot" Wallace has become a legend, a testament to the rugged individualism, unwavering courage, and colorful character that defined the era. He was a multifaceted individual, a backwoodsman intimately familiar with the harsh realities of the Texas landscape, a soldier who answered the call of duty in times of conflict, and a dedicated Texas Ranger who helped to bring order to a lawless land. His contributions to the Republic of Texas and his participation in the Mexican-American War cemented his place in the state’s collective memory.
Born on April 3, 1817, in Lexington, Virginia, William’s early life was far removed from the dusty plains and violent conflicts that would later define his destiny. He was the son of Andrew and Jane Ann Blair Wallace, and his formative years were spent tending his father’s fruit orchard. This pastoral existence, however, was shattered by news from the West. The devastating Goliad Massacre of spring 1836, in which his older brother and a cousin were brutally killed, ignited a fire of vengeance within young William. Driven by a desire to avenge his family and "take pay out of the Mexicans," he resolved to leave his peaceful life behind and journey to the turbulent territory of Texas.
In 1837, Wallace arrived in Texas, settling near LaGrange. He initially attempted to establish himself as a farmer, but the call of adventure and the need for security in a volatile land soon led him to join the ranks of the Texas Rangers. Under the leadership of the renowned Captain John Coffee Hays, Wallace quickly adapted to the life of a Ranger, honing his skills in horsemanship, marksmanship, and wilderness survival. He participated in numerous patrols and skirmishes, gaining a reputation for his bravery and resourcefulness. The legends of "Bigfoot" Wallace were beginning to take shape.
Around 1840, Wallace moved to the burgeoning town of Austin, where he contributed to the physical development of the new capital. It was during this period that he acquired the moniker that would forever be associated with him. Mistakenly identified as a Native American named "Bigfoot" who had raided a settler’s home, Wallace was briefly suspected of the crime. Although he was quickly exonerated, the nickname "Bigfoot" stuck. It was a fitting appellation for a man who stood six feet two inches tall, weighed a muscular 240 pounds, and possessed an imposing physical presence. The name became synonymous with his strength, his frontier skills, and his larger-than-life persona.
The year 1840 also saw Wallace actively involved in the Battle of Plum Creek, a significant engagement against a large Comanche raiding party. He fought alongside other Texas Rangers and volunteers, helping to repel the Native American incursion and protect the settlements. His courage and effectiveness in this battle further solidified his reputation as a capable and dependable defender of the Texas frontier. In the spring of 1842, Wallace once again found himself facing a Mexican invasion, this time led by General Adrian Woll. He joined the Texan forces in their efforts to defend their territory, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Republic of Texas.
Later in 1842, Wallace’s thirst for adventure and his desire to strike back at Mexico led him to volunteer for the ill-fated Somervell Raid across the Rio Grande. This expedition, intended to harass Mexican settlements, eventually disintegrated, with many of the volunteers returning to Texas. However, Wallace joined a splinter group that embarked on the even more reckless Mier Expedition, seeking to penetrate deeper into Mexico. This decision proved disastrous. The Texan force was quickly surrounded and captured by a vastly superior Mexican army.
The captured Texans were marched deep into the heart of Mexico, enduring brutal conditions and facing constant threats. After an escape attempt failed, the Mexican authorities decided to execute a portion of the prisoners as a deterrent. This led to the infamous "Black Bean Incident." The prisoners were forced to draw beans from a jar. Those who drew a black bean were immediately executed, while those who drew a white bean were spared, but condemned to imprisonment. Wallace, by sheer luck, drew a white bean, narrowly escaping death. He was then subjected to an arduous 800-mile forced march to the notorious Perote Prison in Vera Cruz.
The conditions in Perote Prison were harsh, and Wallace endured months of hardship and uncertainty. However, his plight eventually came to the attention of several U.S. Congressmen, who signed a petition demanding his release. After a period of diplomatic negotiations, Wallace was finally freed. Upon his return to Texas, he wasted no time in joining the ranks of the U.S. Army and participating in the Mexican-American War, continuing his fight against Mexico on a larger scale. Even in this more conventional military conflict, the spirit of "Bigfoot" Wallace shone through.
Following the Mexican-American War, Wallace returned to Texas and resumed his role as a Texas Ranger. He commanded a company of Rangers, tasked with patrolling the border and combating the persistent threat of border bandits and Native American raids. He spent years safeguarding the frontier, protecting settlers and maintaining order in a lawless land. Even when the Civil War erupted, dividing the nation, Wallace remained focused on his duty, helping to defend the Texas frontier against the Comanche Indians.
Sometime during his years of service, Wallace was granted a tract of land by the State of Texas, recognizing his contributions to the Republic and the state. He established a ranch along the Medina River, raising cattle and living a relatively peaceful life. In his later years, he moved to Frio County, where a small village eventually formed. In honor of his legendary status and his contributions to the region, the village was named "Bigfoot," ensuring that his name would live on in the very landscape he had helped to shape.
In his later years, "Bigfoot" Wallace became a celebrated storyteller, entertaining visitors with his tales of adventure, hardship, and heroism. Described as humorous, mellow, and honest, he captivated audiences with his vivid accounts of frontier life, often embellishing the stories to enhance their entertainment value. These tales further cemented his reputation as a Texas folk hero. In 1870, biographer John Duval immortalized Wallace’s stories in a best-selling book titled The Adventures of Big Foot Wallace, The Texas Ranger, which catapulted him to even greater fame and solidified his place in Texas folklore.
William Alexander Anderson "Bigfoot" Wallace died on January 7, 1899, at the age of 81. His death marked the end of an era, a time when the Texas frontier was still a wild and untamed place. Recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the state, the Texas legislature appropriated funds to move his body to the State Cemetery in Austin, Texas, where he rests among other Texas heroes. His legacy continues to endure, inspiring generations of Texans with his courage, his resilience, and his unwavering spirit of adventure. The legend of "Bigfoot" Wallace is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Texas frontier and the remarkable individuals who shaped its history. He remains a symbol of the rugged individualism, unwavering determination, and colorful character that define the spirit of Texas.