At the outbreak of the Civil War, after U. S. troops were surrendered, Camp Hudson became a Confederate frontier outpost from 1861 to 1862, guarding the military road, escorting supply trains, and curbing hostile Indians. It was manned by the 2nd Texas Cavalry, and Texas Confederate troops used it as a supply base on the route to and from the New Mexico campaign, which sought to stop the flow of gold to the North and gain access to the Pacific. Routine camp life led to a camp newspaper written to amuse troops who fervently desired to fight for Dixie. The camp was located in the center of the county on the south bank of Devil's River.