American Indians inhabited these Ozark hills for thousands of years until the turmoil of European exploration and long periods of drought caused their movement out of the highlands as European trappers, hunters, and explorers began moving in. This hunting ground of the Osage Indians was acquired by the United States from France in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase, and the Osage sold their land to the U.S. in 1808. From 1817 till 1828, this area became a Cherokee Indian Reservation. Shortly afterward American settlers came, and many of their descendants remain here today. The town of Marshall below, previously named Burrowville, was founded in 1857. The American Civil War divided the people of this area from 1861-1865, and several minor battles took place here. After the Civil War, the area prospered in mining, timber, and cattle and was once known as the Strawberry Capital of the World. Today tourism is a vital part of the economy, and Searcy County is home to America's first National River, the Buffalo National River.