The Siege of Fort Brown. In March, 1846, Gen. Zachary Taylor established a military position on this site, opposite Matamoros, to support the United States claim to dispute territory between the Rio Grande and Nueces Rivers. Anticipating a military response from Mexico, Taylor ordered the construction of an earthen field fort. On May 3rd, Mexican artillery began a bombardment and siege of the Bastion; at dawn on May 6th, Maj. Jacob Brown was hit in the leg by an exploding artillery shell. While undergoing medical treatment, Major Brown instructed his officers: "Men, go to your duties; stand by your posts. I am but one among you." Maj. Brown died on May 9th, only hours before Gen. Taylor's victory at Resaca De La Palma lifted the siege.