Camp Gaston was established in 1859 near this spot on the west bank of the Colorado River, about 45 miles north of Fort Yuma, by Captain Henry S. Burton of Company F, 3rd Artillery. It served as a supply post for the Hoffman Expedition in connection with the new establishment of Fort Mojave in Arizona. Supplies, including two mountain Howitzers, were transported by the riverboats Colorado and General Jessup. The camp was used intermittently as late as 1868. It was named in honor of 2nd Lieutenant William Gaston, who was killed in action against the Spokane Indians in 1859, and Fort Gaston in Humbolt County, which operated at the same time, was also named for him.