This area was settled before 1622 by George Shinehow. Tobacco warehouses and docks stood at Swineyards and Willcox Wharf. A post office was established at Swineyards in 1848 and later moved to Willcox Wharf. Local landmarks included Bethany Presbyterian Church, established in 1869; Little Elam Church, established in 1886; Bethany School, later known as Little Elam School; Little Elam Pilgrim School; the Taylor Male Female Seminary, established in 1847; Woodburn School, established in 1886; and a general merchandise store first operated by the Willcox family and later by H. C. Bourne. Prominent homes included the home of H. C. Bourne, now known as Indian Fields Tavern, Auburn, Buckland, River Edge, Colesville, which served as Grant's headquarters, and Woodburn, the home built by John Tyler in 1813 and later owned by Judge Isaac Christian. The homes of Indian Fields, Center Farm, and Buckland, the residence of Judge James M. Willcox, formerly stood in this vicinity.
