Site of Fort Lyday

Early Texas pioneer Isaac Lyday built a fort in this area soon after settling here in 1836. The compound, located .75 mi. E. and .5 mi. N. of the old Lyday Crossing on the North Sulphur River, consisted of living quarters, storerooms, and a large community well. Many local families gathered inside the fort during Indian raids. Due to an increase in these raids, the area was almost abandoned by Anglo settlers until Texas Ranger Captain William B. Stout arrived in 1838 to organize a Ranger force. Lyday was elected captain of the company and served until 1839. Fort Lyday continued to shelter settlers until the raids subsided ca. 1843, and the fort was eventually abandoned. (1983)