The historic Chaves Trail passed near this location. It is named for Lt. Col. J. Francisco Chaves of the First Cavalry, New Mexico Volunteers, who traveled north of here from April 16-21, 1864 with two officers, thirty-five enlisted men, and fifteen civilian quartermasters' employees on their return trip to Santa Fe from Fort Whipple, becoming the first known Euro-American to follow this route. For many centuries, American Indians used the trail as a trade route across the rough country from the Hopi Mesas to the Verde Valley. Spanish as well as American explorers also used it to reach western lands and mines. During the mid 1800's, the United States Army used portions of the trail, and it was later improved when the Star Line Transportation Company established commercial stage and mail routes from Prescott to Santa Fe. Many pioneer settlers of the Verde Valley also traveled the same route.