Fort Belknap was established in November 1851 for the U.S. Army by Gen. Wm. G. Belknap and located by Capt. R.B. Marcy. One of the most important posts in Texas at that time, it was maintained by the U.S. Army until 1867 to protect early settlers and travelers. The fort was occupied from 1851 to 1867 by the following personnel: in 1851, ten companies of the 10th Infantry under Col. G. Loomis; in 1852, five companies of the 5th Infantry under Col. G. Loomis; in 1854, three companies of the 2nd Dragoons and 87th Infantry; from 1855 to 1857, two to four companies of the 1st and 7th Infantry under Cap’t. Brevet and Maj. G.R. Paul; in 1858, one company of the 1st Cavalry and 1st Infantry under Cap’t. R.W. Johnson; and in 1867, one company of the 6th Cavalry under First Lieut. G. Schreyer.