The Maple Creek crossing at old Watson was probably used as early as 1825 by Selkirk colonists moving from the Pembina area to Fort Snelling. They were followed in 1843 by the fur brigades of Kittson and Rolette. Major Woods crossed here in 1849 en route to Pembina. In 1851 Governor Alexander Ramsey of Minnesota crossed en route to Pembina to make a treaty with the Chippewa. In 1853 Governor I.I. Stevens passed here en route to the Northwest. Captain J.L. Fisk led his Montana gold seekers past here in 1862-1863. General Sibley returned from his Indian expedition and rested nearby on August 17, 18, and 19, 1863. His camp was east of the former site of Walberg School 55 and the St. Peters Lutheran Church and east of the present home of Alvin and Josephine Zaeske.