An ancient ford four hundred yards below this point crossed the upper Uchee Indian Trail, along which early traders and military expeditions marched. Before 1816, John Ball built and maintained a ferry there. On November 23 and 24, 1864, a Confederate force of cadets and convicts on parole under Gen. Henry C. Wayne, supported by Wheelers Cavalry, defended the crossing against part of Sherman's forces during their March to the Sea.