According to tradition, American Indians were stricken by an epidemic called fell disease about the middle of the 16th century that threatened to obliterate the tribes. A messenger arrived from the Great West with news of a wonderful water said to have been touched by the finger of the Great Spirit and able to cure all manner of diseases, and Indians came to these springs by the thousands. After a lapse of more than 200 years, the Cheyenne took possession of the springs and built an immense tipi city covering hundreds of acres. In the following years, the Sioux migrated west and disputed ownership of the springs, culminating in a fierce conflict about 1869, when the besieged Cheyenne established fortifications on the eminence to the east now called Battle Mountain. The Sioux won the battle and possession of the springs, which they called Wi-wi-la-kah-to (Springs - hot). They called the area Minnekahta (Water - hot) and termed the Black Hills a great Medicine Home. After the Battle Mountain fight, tradition says the Sioux and Cheyenne agreed to allow the springs to be a health sanctuary so their sick and lame could benefit from the healing waters. Around 1880, pioneers began to settle the area.