In July 1864, because of frequent attacks from indigenous tribes in the area, Camp Dunlap was established 2 miles east of present-day Great Bend, Kansas, where the Santa Fe Trail crossed Walnut Creek.
At first the camp was a series of tents and dugouts on the riverbank close to the Rath Ranch (trading post).
However work immediately started on a more permanent facility about 100 yards from the dugouts and renamed Fort Zarah.
At its peak, Zarah had a hotel, two saloons, a blacksmith shop, a livery stable, a general store, a post office, and several homes.
[11] Fort Zarah was established near a ranch (trading post) where the Santa Fe Trail crossed Walnut Creek.