A U.S.A. post was located here to protect Ohio River traffic. It became a supply base and communications center for Union forces in the Big Sandy region. In winter 1861-62, troops under Col. J.A. Garfield, later 20th President of the U.S., drove the C.S.A. from the area by victory at Middle Creek. The area was cleared of the C.S.A. again in 1864 by U.S.A. Kentucky forces under Col. George W. Gallup.