Kit Carson's command was sent on a mission to destroy the Navajo in the summer and fall of 1863 and winter of 1864.  The men destroyed most of the Navajo food supplies (corn and wheat primarily) and captured or killed several Navajo.  About 300 Navajo used Fortress Rock here to live out the winter of 1863/1864 in an attempt to avoid capture from Carson's men.    They were never captured.