While it is called a fort and it is defensible it was really a trading post and an important stop on the trail between San Antonio and Chihuahua, Mexico. Here travelers could stay, get repairs done, pick up new animals, store goods, get news and food. The trading post was a luxurious home with storage, stables, guest rooms and lots of animals to refresh the ones coming along the trail. The typical freight wagon used 8 or 10 oxen.