Historical Marker
Fort Phantom Hill
Historical marker location:
SH 600, Anson, Texas
( from Anson, take US 180 east about 10 miles to FM 600, then take FM 600 south about 8.5 miles to fort ruins)
Marker installed: 1936
Established November 14, 1851, as unit in chain of forts from Red River to Rio Grande, to defend frontier settlers and west-bound 49ers. Officially "Post on Clear Fork of the Brazos", everyday name became "Phantom Hill," either from prevalent mirages or sighting of ghostly Indian in moonlight.
Abandoned by U. S. Army on April 6, 1854, fort served in 1858-61 as stage stand for Southern Overland Mail. In 1871-72, the army again used this as a sub-post of Fort Griffin, 40 miles northeast. The adjacent village was temporary county seat when Jones County was organized in 1881.
Erected by the State of Texas, 1971.