Fort Tejon, in Grapevine Canyon near Tejon Pass, occupied a strategic route between the Central Valley and the Los Angeles Basin and was established by the U.S. Army in 1854 to guard approaches to the San Joaquin Valley, curb stock rustling, protect settlers, and monitor conflict involving Californios, Native peoples, and nearby Emigdiano communities. It later served as headquarters of the First U.S. Dragoons, a Butterfield Overland Mail station, and the western terminus of the experimental U.S. Camel Corps. Also associated with the great 1857 earthquake that bears its name, the site is now a state historic park preserving restored buildings, military history, and the pass’s natural landscape.