A military post was established on this ground on Oct. 16, 1852 by Companies A and B First United States Dragoons. From April 23 1853 until June 28 1858, when it was abandoned, the fort was garrisoned by Company E 4th US Infantry. It was named in honor of Colonel Roger Jones, Brevet Major General of the Army, 1824-1852. Among the officers and men who served here were Sgts. James Bryan and John Griffin and Pvt. Gundor Salverson, who upon their discharge became pioneer settlers of this valley.