In the aftermath of the Mexican War, the United States Army established a series of forts throughout the state of Texas, in pursuant to Article XI of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.  Charged with protecting the borders of Mexico from incursions by the "savage tribes" residing in Texas, the U.S. Army quickly found itself assuming a new role as frontier peacekeeper.  Not only would the military establishment prevent the Kiowa and Comanche from raiding into Mexico, but they were also tasked with protecting an ever-expanding line of settlement along the Texas frontier.

One of these posts, Fort Phantom Hill, was established by 5 companies of the 5th U.S. Infantry in November 1851.  Originally, Brevet Brigadier General Matthew Arbuckle saw the post as necessary to protect "Marcy's Return Route," the course taken by Captain Randolph Marcy in 1849 when he returned from escorting immigrants to California.  Following Arbuckle's death, the new department commander, Brevet Major General Persifor Smith modified his predecessor's original plan, instead establishing a dual chain of posts to protect a growing number of settlers in central Texas.  Stretching from Fort Belknap in the north to Fort Clark in the south, the outer garrisons, manned by infantry, could call upon mounted troops at posts established approximately one hundred fifty miles eastward along the line of settlement.  It was hoped that the infantry could alert the dragoons to the presence of pursue raiding parties that might be operating between the twin cordon of posts.  Smith's also hoped that his plan would be more cost effective, as the mounted force, stationed along the settlements, could obtain forage and other supplies locally, providing a valuable stimulus for the frontier economy.

After five years of military operations in Texas, the War Department sent Brevet Lieutenant Colonel William Grigsby Freeman to evaluate the defensive system developed in the Eight Military Department.  Freeman's primary task was to review the effectiveness of the garrisons established in Texas.  At the same time, he was to make recommendations as to which posts ought to be abandoned and where new ones might be established to more effectively protect the growing number of settlers homesteading in the region.

Inspection 1853, is hosted by Co. C, 5th U.S. Infantry, an educational initiative of the McMurry University Public History Program.  The event, organized in cooperation with the Fort Phantom Foundation, recreates Freeman's inspection of Fort Phantom Hill, referred to in military correspondence as the Post on the Clear Fork of the Brazos.  The event is the first of its kind offered in Texas, and is designed for the serious living historian who is interested in recreating a forgotten period in Texas military history.  It will be a total immersion, first person living history experience, and will seek to challenge participants to recreate a U.S. military garrison in antebellum Texas.