A cottonwood tree known as the Lone Tree Station stood one-half mile from this point, measuring 18 feet in diameter and more than 100 years old, and was said to be the largest from Omaha to Denver. It served as a landmark for the Pony Express, the Oregon and California Trails, emigrants, the Overland Stage, and railroads. Evidence indicated that after the Sam Bass gang held up an express train, they divided $60,000 and cooked their meal here in 1877. Also known as Lovers Tree, it was a place where children played, and it was struck by lightning three times in one year. The tree was cut up for firewood from 1931 to 1933.