After the war with Mexico ended in 1848, the U.S. established a series of forts along the Rio Grande to secure the border, while a first line of frontier forts was built from Fort Worth southward through this area to defend settlers against Indian attacks. Across Seco Creek on a high bluff west of this point stood old Fort Lincoln, one of those first line forts. Established on July 7, 1849, it was named for Capt. George Lincoln, who died in the war with Mexico. By 1851, it had wooden barracks for two companies, a hospital, and a warehouse. Capt. James Longstreet, later a Civil War general, and his men built the fort. In July 1852, the fort closed because the frontier had moved west. For 25 years afterward, settlers fought Indians over possession of this land, and at times a small force of Texas Rangers helped defend the settlers.