Red River Station, C.S.A., was established 9 miles northwest in 1861 as a Civil War outpost near a major buffalo and Indian crossing. Local soldiers, determined to guard the edge of settlement against Indian raids and a Union invasion from Indian Territory, were joined by a Texas Frontier Regiment cavalry company. Families of settlers and cattlemen built log cabins within the post stockade. Though poorly fed and clothed and short on horses and ammunition, Confederates patrolled the area effectively. In January 1863, Comanche and Kiowa raided at Illinois Bend 15 miles east. After the war, the site became a major cattle crossing. During 1861—1865, Texas made an all-out effort for the Confederacy after voting over 3 to 1 for secession. Its 90,000 troops, noted for mobility and heroic daring, fought on every battlefront. As an important source of supply and gateway to foreign trade through Mexico, Texas was the storehouse of the South. Red River Station and other posts on this line were backed by patrols of state Rangers, organized militia, and citizens posses scouting from nearby family forts as part of a 2000 mile frontier and coastline successfully defended by Texans.