Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
In 802, after many battles with the Emishi, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro established Fort Isawa on the south side of the Isawa River where it joins the Kitakami. The location was in the very heart of the Isawa band of Emishi's territory. The Japanese invaders generally built their forts to the south of east or west flowing streams that empty into the Kitakami. The ruins are still preserved and there is a museum nearby with relics from the site.