Founded by Mexico as a bulwark against Anglo-American immigration, Fort Tenoxtitlan and its nearby city were twice proposed as the capital of Texas. In 1830, alarmed by the influx of Anglo settlers into Texas, Mexico sought to erect a line of forts to keep out the intruders. The site was given the ancient Aztec name for Mexico City, meaning "prickly pear place," and the regional military commandant hoped it would become the capital of Texas. Anglo immigration, however, did not cease and instead thrived on the friendship of the local soldiers and incoming pioneers. Colonizer Sterling C. Robertson introduced scores of settlers. In 1832 the soldiers were withdrawn, and the fort passed to the Anglos. It then became a supply center and mustering point for expeditions against Indians. During its brief life, many Texas patriots lived there, including five signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, a martyr of the Alamo siege, and seven soldiers of the Battle of San Jacinto. Tenoxtitlan was again suggested as the capital of Texas during the Republic, but Austin prevailed. After many Indian raids, the site was abandoned in 1841.