Established 1855 by 1st U.S. Infantry; large rectangle around parade ground was site of 25 buildings that housed two companies. Troopers on mules protected wagon trains on San Antonio-El Paso "lower road." The 2nd Texas Mounted Rifle Company of the Confederate Army occupied the fort from 1861-62. Site of a battle between the Indians and the 9th Calvary in December 1867. West 33 mi. on Texas 290.