Although no battles were fought in the area, an important part of the Texas Revolution took place in Hockley when Gen. Sam Houston led his army though modern-day New Kentucky Park. In the late 1820s, Abraham Roberts was one of the first settlers along Spring Creek in a small community known as New Kentucky. While the area’s population was sparse, New Kentucky was an important stop for travelers coming through Texas at the time, said Fred Collins, director of Kleb Woods Nature Preserve. At the time, Texas was part of Mexico, but U.S. citizens were permitted to settle there. In 1835 Texas declared itself an independent republic, and the war for independence from Mexico began, Collins said. In April 1836, Gen. Houston’s army was crossing New Kentucky toward Harrisburg, Texas, which is now part of the city of Houston, according to the park’s historical marker. While historical accounts differ, it was likely that Houston was attempting to draw the Mexican army into the country, which would allow the United States to declare war and capture the land for modern-day Texas and California, Collins said. “When they got to New Kentucky, Houston found out that [Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de] Santa Anna was no longer trying to engage him but had gone [toward Harrisburg].” According to the historical marker, many members of Houston’s army believed he would retreat and head east, but Houston decided to continue southwest and meet the Mexican army for battle. Houston’s army had been staying at a nearby farm belonging to Roberts’ female neighbor before stopping by his ranch to ask for directions, Collins said. “They had burned up her fence for firewood and eaten everything that she had, so when they got to Roberts’ place, he was already out on the gate pointing the way,” Collins said. “[Roberts] didn’t want those people ... spending the night at his house. Days later, the Battle of San Jacinto [took place].” During the battle, hundreds of Mexican soldiers were killed, Santa Anna was captured and a peace treaty was signed. Texas was a republic until the area became a state in 1845. A historical marker was erected to commemorate Roberts’ home in 1993 on the bicentennial of Houston’s birth. Today, Roberts’ property is home to New Kentucky Park, one of the earliest communities of the Republic of Texas.