General Sam Houston built a home here in 1843 and lived in it until 1845. A post office was established on May 22, 1846, with Vernon B. Lea as postmaster. It was discontinued on October 24, 1868, and reestablished on April 26, 1869. The town's name was changed to Ironwood on August 26, 1869. The post office was discontinued on March 15, 1900.