As the line of settlement moved west across the continent in the 19th century conflict arose between those coming in and those who lived on the land for generations. In an effort to protect the settlers from Comanche and Lipan Apache, the United States government developed a line of forts across Texas running from Eagle Pass on the Rio Grande, northeast toward the Trinity River. These forts included Duncan, Inge, Lincoln, Martin Scott, Croghan, Gates, Graham, and Worth, yes that Ft. Worth.

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Fort Croghan was formally established in March of 1849 and continued to operate under the U.S. government as an army fort until December of 1853. The fort was garrisoned by the 2nd Dragoons, a type of mounted infantry unit. 

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Once the fort was closed, area settlers continued to use the fort on their own; sometimes as a place of protection and at other times as a place to gather building materials. 

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The fort was the beginning of settlement in the area that is now Burnet County and our grounds and museum continue sharing the history of this area today.​