Lewis and Clark made their first entry into the "Illinois Country," as it was known in 1803, near this location. The primary purpose of the stop was to procure a supply of salt for their journey. Here they would have encountered the squatters who represented future builders of the society. This area would shortly become the gateway for settlement in the future state of Illinois. Local settlers had heard of President Jefferson's plans for western expansion and were not excited, but by the time Lewis and Clark visited, they had become supporters. Early settlers to this area, prior to and shortly after the arrival of Lewis and Clark, were Michael Sprinkle, Isaac White, John Marshall, Pierre La Boissiere, and John Caldwell.