From 1802 to 1825, United States agents to the Chickasaws lived west of here on the Old Natchez Trace. Americans' peaceful travel along the road through Indian lands depended in large measure on these agents. Their efforts to preserve harmony included collecting debts, recovering stolen horses, removing trespassers, and capturing fugitives. Winters were lonely, but spring and summer brought thousands of “Kaintucks” on the long journey from Natchez to their Ohio Valley homes. Many expected the agency to supply medicine or food or just a good nights rest.