Fort Bend, Texas
Nestled on a prominent bend of the Brazos River in what is now southeastern Texas, Fort Bend holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Established in November 1822, this strategic location served as a vital defense post for the early Anglo-American colonists venturing into the region, becoming a focal point during the tumultuous years of the Texas Revolution.
The story of Fort Bend, Texas, begins with Stephen F. Austin, often hailed as the "Father of Texas." Austin, through agreements with the Mexican government, brought in settlers known as the "Old Three Hundred" to populate the fertile lands along the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. As these pioneers established their homesteads and began to cultivate the land, they faced the ever-present threat of raids from various Native American tribes who viewed the influx of newcomers with suspicion and hostility.
Recognizing the need for a centralized point of defense, the colonists erected a log blockhouse on a commanding bend of the Brazos River. This rudimentary structure, simple yet functional, served as the initial Fort Bend. The blockhouse provided a place of refuge for settlers in times of danger, a storehouse for essential supplies, and a vantage point from which to monitor the surrounding territory. It was a symbol of the colonists’ determination to carve out a new life for themselves in this untamed land.
The establishment of Fort Bend marked the beginning of a small settlement that gradually grew around the protective walls of the blockhouse. Farmers, ranchers, and merchants were drawn to the area, attracted by the fertile soil, abundant resources, and the sense of security that the fort provided. The settlement became a hub of activity, a place where people could trade goods, share news, and support each other in the face of adversity.
As tensions between the Anglo-American colonists and the Mexican government escalated in the 1830s, Fort Bend assumed an even greater strategic importance. The colonists, increasingly dissatisfied with the policies of the Mexican government under President Antonio López de Santa Anna, began to organize and demand greater autonomy. The desire for self-governance and the protection of their rights ultimately led to the outbreak of the Texas Revolution in 1835.
In April 1836, during the Texas Revolution, Fort Bend briefly became a scene of military action. A rearguard detachment of Texan forces, led by Wiley Martin, was stationed at the Fort Bend crossing of the Brazos River to delay the advance of Santa Anna’s army. Although Martin’s men were eventually outmaneuvered and forced to retreat, their presence at Fort Bend served a crucial purpose. It bought valuable time for Sam Houston and the main Texan army to prepare for the decisive battle that would ultimately determine the fate of Texas.
After Martin’s retreat, General Antonio López de Santa Anna and a significant portion of his Mexican army crossed the Brazos River at Fort Bend. This crossing allowed Santa Anna to continue his pursuit of the Texan army, but it also placed him in a vulnerable position, far from his supply lines and deep within enemy territory.
Following Santa Anna’s crushing defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, the Texan army briefly used Fort Bend as a staging area. The victory at San Jacinto secured Texas independence, but the war was not yet entirely over. Mexican forces under General Vicente Filisola were still present in Texas, and the Texan army, under the command of Thomas Jefferson Green, pursued them westward. Green’s troops halted briefly at Fort Bend in mid-May 1836, using the fort as a base of operations while they planned their next move.
The significance of Fort Bend in the Texas Revolution led to its name being chosen for the county when it was officially established in 1837. Recognizing the area’s central role in the events that shaped the region, the founders of Fort Bend County sought to honor the fort and the sacrifices made by the early settlers.
However, the settlement of Fort Bend itself did not remain the county seat for long. In 1838, the nearby town of Richmond was selected as the county seat, and over time, Richmond grew in prominence and eventually absorbed the smaller settlement of Fort Bend. While the original Fort Bend settlement faded into obscurity, its name lived on through the county, a constant reminder of its historical importance.
In 1936, as part of the Texas Centennial celebrations, the Texas Centennial Commission erected a monument to commemorate Fort Bend’s role in the Texas Revolution. This monument, located near the site of the original fort, serves as a lasting tribute to the courage and resilience of the early settlers who defended the region and helped to shape the future of Texas.
Today, little remains of the original Fort Bend blockhouse or the settlement that grew around it. The ravages of time, the forces of nature, and the relentless march of progress have all taken their toll. However, the name of Fort Bend endures, a testament to its enduring legacy in the history of Texas. Fort Bend County, with its diverse population, thriving economy, and rich cultural heritage, stands as a testament to the vision and determination of the pioneers who first settled on that bend of the Brazos River so many years ago. The story of Fort Bend serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and the enduring spirit of the Lone Star State.
The location of the original fort, while not physically marked by a grand structure, remains a point of historical interest. Archaeological surveys have been conducted in the area in an attempt to uncover more information about the fort and the lives of the people who lived there. These efforts have yielded valuable insights into the early history of Fort Bend and its significance in the Texas Revolution. While the physical remains of the fort may be gone, its story continues to be told and its legacy continues to inspire.