On March 18th, 1849 Company A of the United States Second Dragoon regiment established the third in a line of outposts running south to north right through the center of Texas. This new fort was situated on the western side of a spring fed creek in beautiful Hamilton Valley. Built for that purpose, the fort made it possible for the town, known today as Burnet, to grow up along the east side of the creek. The Dragoons were under the command of Lt. C.H. Tyler who saw to the construction of the fort. Sometimes new forts were named after the commanders who built them, but if Lt. Tyler was expecting that honor, he was quickly disappointed. Fate played a hand with the death of an old soldier, a great and celebrated American hero. Colonel George Croghan died on January 8th, 1849 two months and ten days before the fort in Hamilton Valley was commissioned. Thus, giving this new fort his name became the final tribute from an adoring nation.

People say his name every time they mention Fort Croghan but few know who he was and what he did to deserve this honor. George Croghan was born near Lewisville, Kentucky on November 15th, 1791. His mother was a sister to George and William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame. Being from an affluent family, young George attended the College of William and Mary, earning a law degree. After graduation he promptly went out and joined the Dragoons as a private, though even the recruiter tried to talk him out of it. His adventurous spirit and an affinity for the soldiers life solidified his decision.

It wasn't long before he began winning praise in campaigns against the Indians. Chief of Staff General William Henry Harrison was impressed and recommended him for the rank of captain. Harrisons recommendation read in part. "a soldier....who conducted himself in the most exemplary manner, in every station...he preformed all of the duties of a private Dragoon with the most zealous assiduity."

The "War of 1812" found Croghan, now a major in th ...

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