After Indians on the High Plains were subdued in 1874 by Gen. R.S. MacKenzie, settlers began pouring into this area, where they found abundant game, water, and good soil for ranching and farming. Cottonwood Springs, at the head of Green Briar Creek, was one of the first villages founded there in 1875. The town soon became a trading center for the southeastern part of the county. It had several stores, two churches, and a school, and although it was usually peaceful, it experienced many gun battles. The town's name was shortened to Cottonwood after the first post office was established in 1883.