The large hill to the north, known as California Hill, was climbed by thousands of covered wagon emigrants heading west between 1841 and 1860. Many were bound for Oregon, but after gold was discovered in California in 1848, California became the destination of the majority of travelers. The most important crossing of the South Platte River during this period was south and a little east of here. After fording the river and ascending California Hill, the emigrants traveled northwesterly to the North Platte River via Ash Hollow. The terrain restricted the route wagons could take up the hill, causing deep ruts that are still visible about two-thirds of a mile north-northwest of this site. Before 1867, as many as half a million emigrants passed through what became Keith County. The natural migration corridor from Fort Kearney to Fort Larimie became known as the Great Platte River Road.