In the summer of 1849, the California Gold Rush was diverted this way as people searched for a more direct route to the mines. Eager 49'ers tried to save miles and time on their rush for California's gold, avoiding the regular Oregon and California trails that looped north to Fort Hall. On July 19, 1849, Benoni M. Hudspeth led a party west from Soda Springs through rough country, hoping for a more direct route through a gap 1.4 miles south of here. It immediately became the main road, although it saved far less than Hudspeth believed.