One of the largest battles among Plains Indians happened in this area in July 1853. Known as the Forks of Beaver Creek Indian Fight, the clash engaged 1,000 Cheyennes and their allies (Arapahoes, Sioux, Kiowas, Comanches, and Crows) in a revenge attack against some 800 Pawnees and their allies (Otoes and Potawatomis). The Pawnees' success was due in part to the timely assistance of the Potawatomis and their rifles. The old Pawnee Trail from the Pawnees' earth lodge villages to their hunting grounds passed through here.