Fort Worth, Texas is founded

Background. Following the Mexican-American War, the United States established a line of seven army posts in 1848–1849 to protect settlers on the western Texas frontier. Major General William Jenkins Worth, who commanded the Department of Texas, originally proposed a line of ten forts. In January 1849, Worth proposed a line of forts from Eagle Pass to the confluence of the West Fork and Clear Fork of the Trinity River, and this plan shaped the establishment of Fort Worth as part of the defensive line.

Establishment. In January 1849, Worth proposed a line of forts from Eagle Pass to the confluence of the West Fork and Clear Fork of the Trinity River. After his death, Captain Arnold was tasked with finding a new fort site near this confluence. On June 6, 1849, Arnold established a camp on the bank of the Trinity River, naming it Camp Worth in honor of the late general.

Official Naming. In August 1849, Arnold moved the camp to a north-facing bluff overlooking the mouth of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. The United States War Department officially named the post Fort Worth on November 14, 1849. This formal designation solidified the site's identity as a permanent military installation on the Texas frontier.