Fort Ewell, Texas, was built on the South bank of the Nueces River on the road crossing from San Antonio to Laredo.
Established in May 1852, it was named for Captain Richard S. Ewell, a veteran of the Mexican-American War. Captain John Smith Simonson commanded the post, and three companies of Mounted Riflemen garrisoned it. Almost immediately, reports were made that the fort was poorly located, as it was subject to flooding from the Nueces River, had little timber for construction, and had poor grazing for livestock. The few adobe buildings lacked support, and attempts at gardening failed because of the lack of rainfall.
Before long, most soldiers were often reported as sick, with scurvy being common. During this time, numerous troops deserted the fort, and by October 1854, it was closed. A small settlement that grew up around the fort, called Guajoco, survived for several years. When La Salle County was organized in 1880, Guajoco was its chief settlement. Near this site stood the first courthouse, a wooden building that was later moved to La Mota Ranch. However, by 1886, the post office closed, and residents moved to other localities.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2026.
Also See:
See Sources.