For overland emigrants, the rigors of the trail began with the "Coast of Nebraska," the ridge of sandhills separating the Platte Valley from the open prairie behind it. Thousands passed this way during the peak emigration years of the 1850s, and hundreds died of disease, principally Asiatic cholera. A grave near here is believed to be that of one such victim, Susan O. Hail of Lafayette County, Missouri, whose grave and marker were noted by a surveyor on August 3, 1859. The marker recorded that she died on June 2, 1852, at age 34 years, 5 months, 12 days. Unlike most trail gravestones, it was of polished workmanship, but it was later destroyed. It is said that her husband returned to Missouri, had the stone made, and brought it to this spot on the prairie. Local people cared for the grave, and in 1958 the land was purchased and presented to Adams County by the Federated Women's Club of Kenesaw and the Adams County Historical Society.