A 1938 DAR marker on the southeast corner of the town square tells the story of Fort Kirwan (not Kirwin), which once stood 1 mile west and a ½ mile south. Lieutenant Colonel John S. Kirwan established the camp in July 1865 when his troops came west to escort a survey party. Used as a summer bivouac, Fort Kirwan was abandoned in September that same year. The DAR plaque also notes Kirwin Stockade, three blocks east of the square, created for settlers' protection. The stockade, also known as Camp Kirwin, was the first permanent settlement in Phillips County.